asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the reason for the delay in extending electricity supply to houses in Pollrevagh and in Mannin, Ballyconneely, County Galway, under the EEC rural electrification scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Rural Electrification.
141.
In the case of Pollrevagh and Mannin, County Galway, the costs to each applicant for connection to electricity supply under the western package electrification scheme are interdependent. Because of this, applicants were not informed of the outcome until a decision had been made on all of them. Any application disallowed increases the cost to the remaining applicants proportionally.
Of the 16 applications received from Pollrevagh and Mannin some required further examination to determine eligibility. These applicants were asked to provide additional information. In certain cases, even when this was provided, it was necessary to seek the advice of the Department of Agriculture before a final decision could be taken. Decisions on the applications have now been taken, and I am happy to say that 15 of the 16 applicants will benefit under the scheme.
Most of those approved have been informed of the outcome and the remainder will be informed in the near future. The timing of connection depends upon the ESB's work programme for each district. Once the applicants have been informed of the outcome, the matter becomes part of the day-to-day administration of the ESB. I understand from the ESB that these connections will be effected as quickly as possible.