asked the Minister for Transport and Power when it is proposed to complete the rural electrification of the following areas in County Mayo: Newport, Ballycroy, Porturlin and the Erris area generally.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Rural Electrification.
6.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that the Newport district comprises three rural areas, Kilmeena, Mulranny and Glenhest. Work under the post-development scheme has been completed in the Kilmeena area and is scheduled for commencement in the Mulranny area in about four months. Post-development work in the Glenhest area the initial development of which took place in 1964 is not planned to commence for about three years.
The Ballycroy area was also initially developed in 1964 and post-development is not expected to commence there for about three years.
The Porturlin and Erris district comprises six rural areas Glenamoy, Glencastle, Geesala, Belmullet, Fallmore and Moyrahan. The Glenamoy area is at present being recanvassed under the post-development scheme and post-development work is scheduled to commence there about the end of the year. It is expected that post-development work will be completed in all areas of the Porturlin and Erris district in about two years.
Could the Minister not arrange to give some special consideration to these Irish-speaking areas ? Is he not aware that people are getting out of these areas and that it would be a great boon if they could get electricity? Can he not give them special consideration so that they can be connected earlier than in two or three years' time?
He could, but he will not.
All areas, I understand, had an opportunity of accepting electricity under the rural electrification scheme. These are areas in which some pockets were left out and they are now being satisfied in relation to rural electrification.
They have to wait for three years.