asked the Minister for Transport and Power when electricity supply will be extended to the Dromleigh, Kilmichael area of County Cork.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Cork Rural Electrification.
12.
I am informed by the ESB that the Dromleigh-Kilmichael areas are in the board's Terrelton rural area which is not likely to be re-canvassed under the rural electrification post-development scheme until 1972. Construction work commences about six months after the canvass.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary consider it rational for a national power and light monopoly to tell citizens of this country who ask for supply of light or power that their application will not even be considered for three years from the date of application? Is there any civilised community in the world where power and light are available in which potential consumers are told that their application for power or light will not even be considered for three years from the date on which it is made?
It is possible that ours is the only institution that tells the truth. The position is that this is a post-development scheme that is being conducted on a planned basis. The indications are that it will take from three to five years to get rural electricity to the areas re-canvassed and to get the work done. I do not think there is any reason why we should say anything but the truth.
I quite agree. Does the Parliamentary Secretary think it proper in a country which has a complete monopoly over electric power and light in rural areas to authorise a State established monopoly to inform citizens of the State that their applications will not be considered for three years from the date on which they are made? Outside Saudi Arabia I do not believe any such prerogative is claimed.
The Deputy should be aware that almost all of these people who are involved in this matter at present had an opportunity before now of being connected.
I know I am plagued with applications from Monaghan, as is the Minister for Transport and Power, as he will tell you.
13.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power when electricity supply will be extended to the Slievereagh, Ballyvourney area of County Cork.
I am informed by the ESB that Slievereagh is in the board's Ballyvourney rural area where canvassing under the rural electrification post-development scheme is in progress at present. It is expected that construction work will commence next summer and that supply will then be made available to all applicants who accept the terms quoted and have their premises wired.
14.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power when electricity supply will be extended to the remainder of Clondrohid parish, Macroom, County Cork.
I am informed by the Electricity Supply Board that Clondrohid parish is in the board's Clondrohid rural area which is scheduled for re-canvass under the rural electrification post-development scheme in late 1969. It is expected that construction work will commence about six months later and that supply will then be made available to all applicants who accept the terms quoted and have their premises wired.