asked the Minister for the Gaeltacht if he is aware of the urgent need for the provision of an electricity supply to Cape Clear Island, County Cork; and when he proposes to provide such a supply.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cape Clear Island Electricity Supply.
53.
D'fhógair an Rialtas cúpla mí ó shin go ndéanfar socruithe speisialta chun leictreachas a sholáthar ar na hoileáin Ghaeltachta a bhfuil leorlíon daoine orthu agus gan fáil acu ar an ngnáthsholáthar. Tá fiosrúchán ar siúl ar Oileán Cléire faoin nglaoch a bheadh ar an leictreachas.
Would the Minister be kind enough to repeat the answer in English?
The Government announced a couple of months ago that special arrangements will be made for the provision of electricity on the more populous island where the normal supply will not be available. Inquiries are being made on Clear Island about the demand for electricity.
In view of the urgency of the question, can the Minister give a definite date when electricity will be provided in Cape Clear? I would have put down this question months ago but I had hoped something definite would be done.
As I said, special arrangements will be made for the provision of electricity to the more popuous islands and this is a considerable advance. Until inquiries have been completed I cannot say when electricity will be provided there because of what the demand is likely to be.
Could they have it next summer? I am sure the Minister is aware of the developments in the area and that he agrees that Cape Clear has a stronger case than any other island in the Gaeltacht.
I cannot give a date now because I have to await information as to what the demand is.
Say 1970.