asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that the Electricity Supply Board carried out a survey of the Kilbeacanty-Beagh area some time ago; and, if so, if he will state the result of the survey, giving the percentage of acceptance and when it is proposed to extend the electricity supply to this area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the result of the canvass and re-canvass of the Kilbeacanty-Beagh area showed that 84 per cent. of the householders in the area agreed to accept supply. The area was considered for selection by the board in July of last year and again in November, but could not be selected as the ratio of fixed charge revenue to cost was very low. The poor return is due mainly to the fact that the houses in the area are widely scattered. There is no immediate prospect of an extension of supply to this area.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Electricity Supply Board have carried out a survey of the Woodford area, County Galway; and, if so, if he will state when this area may be provided with electricity.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the official canvass of the Woodford area, County Galway, is at present in progress and is expected to be completed shortly. The area, and other areas in Galway district, will be considered for selection in the early autumn of this year. It is not possible to state, at present, if or when development of the area will take place.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the Electricity Supply Board have carried out a survey of the Kinvara area, County Galway; and, if so, in view of the urgent necessity of a rural electrification scheme in that area due to lack of fuel, he will urge the Electricity Supply Board to expedite the scheme.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the Kinvara area was considered by the board in July and November of last year for development under the rural electrification scheme. As the ratio of fixed charge revenue to cost was very low, the area could not be selected. It is understood that the local committee is endeavouring to improve the position by getting some further householders to agree to accept supply, but no indication can be given as to whether any resulting improvement in the economics will permit of the area being selected for development in the near future.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will indicate what areas the Electricity Supply Board intend to develop in West Cork under the rural electrification scheme.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the areas of Schull and Barryroe have been selected and that construction work will commence within two or three months. The areas of Innishannon and Cloughduv have been considered for selection but have not so far been successful owing to the poor return in each case. The board cannot say at this stage when these areas are likely to qualify for selection. The area of Castletownbere will be considered for selection in May next. The areas of Kilbrittain, Ballinspittle and Murragh are at present under canvass. The areas of Baltimore, Skibbereen, Ballinascarthy and Lisavaird have already been developed.