asked the Minister for Transport and Power the number of years it is expected to take the ESB to complete their rural electrification programme; and whether he will state the manner in which areas are placed on the ESB's priority list.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Rural Electrification.
7.
Proposals by the ESB which envisage completion of the rural electrification programme by 31st March, 1975, are at present under examination by my Department and the Department of Finance.
I understand from the board that the order in which areas are being developed under the rural electrification planned post-development scheme is based on the order in which areas were developed under the original rural electrification scheme. However, this order may not be rigidly followed since the board can more effectively utilise the capital resources available by planning post-development work on the basis of groups of areas. It follows that an area which was developed at a later stage of the original scheme may be included for the purpose of the post-development scheme with an area developed at an earlier stage of the original scheme.
8.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power when an electricity supply will be extended to the Ardgroom and Kilcatherine areas in west Cork; and if he will make representations to the ESB to expedite their programme in those areas.
I am informed by the ESB that Ardgroom and Kilcatherine form part of the board's Castletownbere rural area in which construction work is at present being carried out under the rural electrification planned post-development scheme. It is expected that the Ardgroom and Kilcatherine sections of the area will be reached next Spring when terms for supply will be quoted to all interested householders and supply extended to those accepting the terms.
9.
asked the Minister for Transport and Power why repeated assurances given to the residents of Pookeen, Inch, Sillertane, Milane and Droumleena townlands in the Dunmanway district. County Cork, that electricity supply would be provided for them within specified dates have not been realised; and if he will indicate what action he proposes to take in the matter.
I am informed by the ESB that the townlands in question are in the board's Coolkellure rural area which is not scheduled for redevelopment under the rural electrification planned post-development programme before 1972.
In the Cork ESB district as elsewhere, progress of the post-development scheme has been retarded by the great numbers now seeking supply as a result of the reduction in special service charges arranged by the Government in June, 1968, and the necessity to strengthen the existing system to accommodate the rapidly increasing load. Certain new connections are given priority and this also has had the effect of delaying the post-development scheme.
Proposals by the ESB with regard to the completion of the rural electrification programme are at present under examination by my Department and the Department of Finance.
On the assumption that the Minister is well briefed, is he not aware that in this House, as Minister for Transport and Power, he gave a definite assurance that a supply would be provided to the five townlands in question not later than 1967? Earlier assurances were given regarding the years 1965 and 1966. Will the Minister not further agree that it is completely out of place for the Minister and his successor, who is responsible for this State-sponsored body, to dishonour assurances given in respect of the provision of supply to these townlands which are located near Dunmanway town and the headquarters of the ESB? Is there some discrimination or, is it because the matter was raised in this House that the discrimination arises?
I think the present Minister has already made it clear to the House that the board, for the first time—certainly in my memory as Minister—underestimated the number of persons who would take connection when service charges for the more distant subscribers were reduced. They estimated some 26,000 and 36,000 additional persons are now likely to be interested. In addition, the board underestimated the extent to which the consumption of current would increase. It increased more rapidly than anticipated requiring strengthening of all the existing lines and the provision of more power in every area. Further, there has been a greater number of new houses erected and of factories and hotels requiring power than was anticipated when the original prediction was made. All those elements together have resulted undoubtedly in a delay in the operation of this scheme but if the Deputy wishes I shall ask the Minister for Transport and Power to assure him that there is no discrimination in relation to the postponement of this case.
Am I to assume from the Minister's reply that the telling of a lie is not deemed to be an offence when Ministers are the culprits?
I have not told a lie. I did not tell a lie to the House before. We must go on predictions.
The Minister has the brief and he knows the statement he made. Is it to be assumed when we get replies in future in this House on any question that we should take them lightly because telling a lie in this House is not deemed to be an offence now according to Government standards——
I object to the statement that I told a lie. Is it in order for the Deputy to use that expression?
It is not in order. The Deputy should not assert that the Minister is lying.
Am I in order in giving notice that I wish to raise this question on the Adjournment?
The Chair will communicate with Deputy Murphy.