Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 1 Nov 1973

Vol. 268 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - ESB Connection Charges.

119.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if, in view of the high contributions now being demanded by the ESB in respect of new connections, particularly in rural areas, the board will change their policy in this matter.

120.

asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will request the ESB to initiate and publish a scheme of reasonable charges for the installation of electricity in new houses.

With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 119 and 120 together.

Recasting of the rules for the financing of new connections was recommended by the Fletcher Committee and the proposals of the ESB are under examination.

Surely the Minister is aware that this piece of policy is creating dreadful hardship for those trying to provide themselves with a new house and that in some cases hundreds of pounds are being requested? Is he also aware that connections to enable water to be pumped on to farms are being held up? Does he not think that immediate action is required to deal with this matter?

I do. That is why the recasting of the rules for the financing of new connections is being undertaken at the moment.

When does the Minister anticipate the recasting will have an effect on the policy of the ESB?

I could not say. It has not gone to the Government yet. I could not give a date.

Barr
Roinn