asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that the ground rent now being charged to rural electrification users in the Trumman, Rossilly Bar district of Laghey, County Donegal, has been almost doubled since these districts were originally canvassed for rural electrification; and if he will state what has caused these increases.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Rural Electrification Users.
Under statute, the fixing of charges for the supply of electricity is a matter solely for the E.S.B. and is, therefore, a matter in which I have no authority to intervene. I am informed by the board that the fixed charges quoted to the householders in the Trumman, Rossilly Bar district of Laghey, County Donegal, during the original canvass of the area remain unaltered. The board state, however, that when the layout and cost of the network required for the area were being determined, it was found that the amount of fixed charge revenue forthcoming from the acceptances in this district would yield much less than the minimum return required on the capital to be invested. Accordingly, the board found it necessary to quote to the householders concerned special service charges of amounts approximately equal to the fixed charges. The board also state that their revised terms are just sufficient to ensure the minimum financial return.
Is it not a fact that since the change of Government, the charges have been doubled in that locality?
Not at all.
The facts are there.