Area: Ballymoyle
Started: September 1954
Finished: June 1955
Poles used: 765
Line used (km): 66
Premises connected: 51
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 October 1955 reports that sales suffered in Ballymoyle because the demonstration corresponded to Spring Show Week.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
“Ballymoyle Rural Area, Co. Wicklow: Mr. J. L. Cullen, R.A.E., does not remember Ballymoyle as being an outstanding area. He had some difficulty with occasional shortages of material. While final figures were not available at the time of writing the report, the crew had gained a nett 55 consumers and increased revenue by £211. It was anticipated that the return would improve slightly from the original 4.6%.
Being a border area between Waterford and Dublin II Districts it was not long until one of the customary border difficulties made itself felt. A pocket containing 40 premises was apparently in some type of ‘no‑man’s‑land’, but co‑operation between the two Districts concerned arrived at a happy solution whereby the Ballymoyle crew gave these people supply, and the networks were then handed over to Dublin II District for administration.
Mr. T. J. Ryan, Area Organiser, tells us that sales at £526 were rather low, due in the first place to the size of the area which is comparatively small, and to its proximity to Arklow town where there are 7 local traders. There was some advantage in the fact that there is an E.S.B. Showrooms in Arklow where consumers could view appliances, and we understand that many items were sold there. Of course, these sales would not be credited to the area.
There is a final reason for the relatively small sales. We are reminded that the demonstration corresponded to Spring Show Week and that while attendances were good, many people were absent in Dublin where there obviously was the greater attraction. We did note, however, that 7 pumps were sold, and that some hammer mills and welders were among the prospects.”