Area: Ballintober
Started: August 1953
Finished: April 1954
Poles used: 1045
Line used (km): 93
Premises connected: 352
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 June 1954 tells us that three types of holes were encountered in Ballintober.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
“Ballintober Rural Area, Co. Mayo: In his post‑construction report on Ballintober Rural Area, Mr. Brennan tells us that three types of holes were encountered –
(a) Rock holes;
(b) Water holes;
(c) Rock and water holes.
At the end of the construction period the gang had got to that frame of mind that they were quite happy if they met rock only. In addition to ground difficulties, there were also the well‑known weather difficulties, and all in all it is not surprising that the unit cost came out on the high side.
It is pleasing to read that although capital costs increased by about £6,700, revenue increased at an even faster rate and as a result the area return improved from 4.93% to 5.87%. Mr. Brennan pays tribute to A.O. Cunniffe who obtained 99 new consumers and brought his coverage from 60.2% acceptances to 77.5%. Most of the new consumers were in economic groups and thus were picked up at very good returns and the picture is completed by the inclusion of the limestone plant at Partry, where a revenue of £250 was obtained.
Prospects for post‑development are poor, as the uneconomic groups are very uneconomic and the refusals are very definitely of the opinion that supply is too dear.
Sales during the construction period amounted to only £405, but Mr. Brennan is of the opinion that after a year or so good sales may be forthcoming.
The report concluded on a note of thanks to the Supervisor, Mr. O’Neill, and to all the gang for their co‑operation, particularly in getting the area completed before the end of the financial year.”