asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he is aware that residents of Broomfield, Castleblayney, County Monaghan, have been informed that it will be at least three years before there is any possibility of making electric power available to them; and whether the Electricity Supply Board will undertake supply at an earlier date.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan Electricity Supply.
20.
I am informed by the ESB that work under the Rural Electrification post development scheme was completed in the Board's Broomfield Rural Area in 1964. All unconnected householders were given the opportunity of accepting supply at that time. The Board do not envisage offering supply again to householders still unconnected for about three years. The Board's programme is organised so as to ensure the carrying out of work at a reasonable cost level and departures from planned arrangements would result in serious cost increases.
Is it not a fact that they were offered a supply at a time when there were very different rates from those offered today, and that at that time it would not have been reasonable to expect them to accept supply?
I accept that fully, but the only thing is that it will take a five-year programme of further development to try to cover all the people who have not been connected. The Deputy will appreciate and understand that you cannot do a five-year programme in a one-year period.