Area: Ardfinnan
Started: January 1953
Finished: August 1953
Poles used: 921
Line used (km): 88
Premises connected: 66
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.
Backsliding caused problems in Ardfinnan reports The REO News from October 1953.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Ardfinnan Rural Area, Co. Tipperary:
We have Mr. Tansey’s Post Construction Report on Ardfinnan Area. Having dealt with some errors (incl. four complete groups which have already been supplied as part of Clogheen area), Mr. Tansey arrives at the conclusion that the original 296 acceptances with a return of 5.76%, should properly be reduced to 275 acceptances with a return of 5.475%.
The backsliding position was bad, there being 18 consumers in this category and this rendered 19 further consumers uneconomic. In addition to this, two further houses became vacant. An extension of the area boundary brought in 22 additional consumers and the final total shows 314 consumers with a return of 6.75%.
No unusual difficulties were encountered during construction but rock accounted for about 7% of the total holes dug. Movement of gangs was held-up by the fact that the River Suir runs diagonally through the area, the only available bridges being near the extreme corners.
Sales reached a rather indifferent total of £900, the principal items being: 11 Cookers; 2 Washing Machines; 11 Burco Boilers; 1 Domestic Refrigerator; 2 10‑H.P. Motors; 1 1‑H.P. Motor; 1 ¾‑H.P. Motor; 1 Welder; 1 Floor Warming Transformer; 7 Kettles; 8 Irons; 2 Vacuum Cleaners. Contractors’ sales were very low totalling 2 Cookers; 10 Irons; 10 Kettles and 1 Burco Boiler.
Mr. Tansey notes that only one‑third of the consumers were connected when the gang moved out and that this had a damping effect on sales. This is, of course, a great pity and we know that Development Division would welcome further comments from him on the causes contributing to this condition.
About 25 outside lights were installed. It is stated that the area would be now ready for the Sales Van when the connection of consumers has been completed."