Area: Annaghdown
Started: June 1953
Finished: March 1954
Poles used: 952
Line used (km): 92
Premises connected: 362
The figures above were sourced from our REO News magazine, to learn more about what these figures mean, visit our Interactive map page. The map above shows the area boundary and is from a digitised version of the original map used during the scheme.
The REO News from April 1954 reports that sales were poor in Annaghdown.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Annaghdown Rural Area, Co. Galway: Mr. P. Hickey, Re. E. and Mr. Hehir, A.O., provide the report on Annaghdown Rural Area. The area could not in any sense be regarded as 'easy', rock was encountered in approximately 90% of the holes, 60% of the farms do not exceed 12 acres, income level is low and is mainly derived from subsidiary sources such as casual labour and migratory earnings.
In spite of the conditions, 367 promises have been serviced (364 actually connected). This represents a 74% connection of the total premises in the area which must be regarded as very satisfactory indeed for an area of its type. The final total represents a net gain of 62 consumers despite the fact that there were 27 backsliders. As might be expected capital cost increased much more than did revenue and the final ratio dropped to 5.4% from 5.66%. There is a reasonably good prospect of the connection of a Section 3 premises before next harvest and if this is obtained the ratio would improve to 5.5%.
Mr. Hehir himself puts the sales as being very low at a total of £221 in spite of the fact that he had the assistance of Mr. Treston and the sales van. However, having regard to the nature of the area he says he is not too disappointed and that a wider use of electricity can be expected. Much of the future prosperity of the area will depend on the Corrib Drainage Scheme which is now starting. At present, literally hundreds of acres of land are under water for the greater part of the year.
Post-development connection should be fairly fruitful as there are about 107 premises which can be supplied either by a service alone or by short extensions of existing L.I. lines.
Mr. Hickey concludes his report with a tribute to Mr. J. Hagan now R.O.E. in Athlone and then Re. E. in Annaghdown for the greater part of the construction period. He also expressed his appreciation of the co-operation and assistance which he obtained from Supervisor Flanaghan."