Area: Annascaul
Started: May 1953
Finished: November 1953
Poles used: 641
Line used (km): 54
Premises connected: 137
The figures above were sourced from our REO News magazine, to learn more about what these figures mean, visit our interactive map. 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 January 1954 tells us that Annascaul is a picturesque area.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Annascaul Rural Area, Co. Kerry: The report on Annascaul is signed by the R.A.E., Mr. W. Ryan and the A.O., Mr. D. Leen.
Annascaul lies between the mountains and the sea in the Dingle Peninsula and while picturesque could not be described as particularly prosperous.
Of the original 264 economic acceptances, 7 were in the process of rebuilding or reconstructing their homes and were not in the position to accept service and there were 22 backsliders. 30 new consumers were gained but most of these were in the long-ratio class and the return suffered. In addition, the majority of the backsliders were in the good-ratio category and this did not help matters either.
Changes were made in the original design, partially to avoid having any transformers directly connected to the main 3-phase line to Dingle and partially because of the poor quality of the road network. Gross estimated cost increased from £18,380 to £23,500 while revenue only increased from £1,433 to £1,464. As a result the return fell very heavily from 7.8% to 6.25%.
Sales were very poor, the principal items being 5 Cookers; 2 Washing Machines; 1 Domestic Refrigerator; 6 Kettles; 13 Irons and 3 Fires. Private contractors were active in the area but did not get a satisfactory volume of business. In view of the foregoing, it is a little surprising to find the opinion that prospects for future sales should be fairly good."