asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a comprehensive statement in regard to the progress made in the development of rural electrification in West Limerick with particular reference to (a) the areas developed, (b) the areas undergoing development, (c) the areas awaiting development and the steps taken, or to be taken, in each case in preparation for development, and (d) approximately when all areas in West Limerick are likely to have the benefit of rural electrification.

As the reply is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose with the permission of the Cheann Comhairle to have it circulated with the Official Report.

Following is the statement:—

RURAL ELECTRIFICATION IN WEST LIMERICK

The areas shown under (c) will be reconsidered by the board in due course and the decision of the board will depend on how the returns for the areas then compare with those for other areas still awaiting development in the same district.

(d) At the present rate of progress it is expected that the development of all areas in West Limerick will be completed within three years.