Area: Ballinlough
Started: December 1950
Finished: June 1952
Poles used: 974
Line used (km): 85
Premises connected: 430
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.
A comprehensive report from Ballinlough rural area was featured in The REO News from July 1952.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Ballinlough Rural Area: Mr. Vale, R.A.E. sent us a quite comprehensive report on the Ballinlough Area. It was never anticipated that it would be an easy area as the holdings are generally very small and it was rather an exception to find a farm exceeding ten acres. Labour was not too easy and, due mainly to the poor weather, the gang tired, the quality of construction deteriorated rapidly and in the last 10 to 12 weeks the total fix cost of the gang increased twenty-six per cent. In spite of these difficulties it is gratifying that the cost per mile was kept down to 30/- but it is admitted that the miles per unit suffered because of the labour trouble.
Originally, there were 345 economic acceptances out of a total of 609 premises. Backsliders were 36, 4 of which were understandable in that for three of these cases, houses had been rendered vacant by the death of the occupant and in the fourth case, a chapel in a monastery which had been regarded as a separate premises was incorporated as part of the monastery. Mr. Treston, A.O., did sterling work in turning in no less than 127 new acceptances, bringing the total up to 437. Approximately half of these new acceptances were in the long-ratio of 20:1 and, accordingly, their effect on the final ratio was not as marked as might otherwise have been expected. The fixed charge revenue increased from £1,865 to £2,360. A check on the costs shows that the final ratio was 7.74% as against 8.35% approved.
Apparently, the good people of the Area believed in adequate attention to openings, as there were three formal openings and switchings-in; first in Ballinlough in December, the second in Cloonfad in January and the third in Garranlahan in March. Each occasion was marked by a supper and dance, the dance in Cloonfad being organised by the gang themselves.
Mr. Vale anticipates that in a couple of years more there should be some expectations of post development, although in some cases it will be at a rather slender ratio.
An interesting load in the area was a two-man tannery which the owner, converted to an all electric industry. His purchase of a single-phase motor resulted in the creation of an unusual type of time-switch which periodically switched on supply by tipping the motor.
Sales in the Area totalled £500, the principal items including two Cookers; four Washing Machines one Welder and two 3 H.P. Motors. Local contractors sold a large number of small appliances, e.g. Irons, Kettles and Wireless Sets."