asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when the E.S.B. propose to extend the rural electrification scheme to the Mountbolus area, County Offaly.

I am informed by the E.S.B. that the Mountbolus rural area has been considered for selection by the board on a number of occasions but has not so far been selected as the returns for the area did not compare favourably with those for other areas awaiting development in the board's Athlone district. The area will be reconsidered by the board in due course and the decision of the board will depend on how the returns then compare with those for other areas awaiting development in the Athlone district.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the Bally-croy area, Westport, County Mayo, has been canvassed by the E.S.B. with a view to extending rural electrification to that area; and, if not, when the board intend to carry out such canvass.

I am informed by the E.S.B. that their official canvass of the Ballycroy rural area was carried out during the first half of 1957. I am further informed that this area has been considered for selection by the board on a number of occasions but has not so far been selected as the returns for the area did not compare favourably with those for other areas awaiting development in the board's Galway district. The area will be reconsidered by the board in due course and the decision of the board will depend on how the returns then compare with those for other areas awaiting development in the Galway district.