asked the Minister for Transport and Power if he will subsidise the cost of installation of electricity for a person in County Offaly (details supplied).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Electricity Installation.
16.
I am informed by the ESB that the premises in question are located in the board's Belmont rural area where work under the final phase of the subsidised rural electrification scheme has been completed for some time. As a result it is not possible to offer subsidised supply to the person in question.
The provision of electricity supply to the premises would involve the erection of 250 metres of high tension line, 150 metres of low tension line, together with a 5KVA transformer, service and meter. The terms quoted are the appropriate unsubsidised terms and are based on the cost of extending supply.
The applicant was advised that if further houses are built in the area within seven years of the payment of his contribution and are supplied from the network supplying his house, he may be entitled to a partial refund.
Did the Minister not indicate some time ago that he had made submission to the ESB with regard to a new method of funding these operations? Can he inform the House when he expects to be able to act on this matter?
I cannot make a statement on this matter yet but I am pursuing it as vigorously as I can.