Area: Clonark
Started: June 1952
Finished: November 1952
Poles used: 688
Line used (km): 63
Premises connected: 244
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 1953 tells us that Clonark was principally an area of small holdings.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Clonark Rural Area: Construction work in the Clonark area was carried out in the times of stress which we experienced last summer when, as the R.A.E., Mr. J. Fortune, puts it “the days were long and the conductor short.” Because of this shortage only a small gang was maintained and hence, with a preponderance of the more highly paid members of the crew, the cost per unit was high.
Originally, the economic acceptances totalled 179 and the final total shown was 244. As there was a supplementary authorisation for 70 additional consumers, it would appear that backsliding was limited to 5 premises. Mr. Fortune estimates the final return of the area as an improvement from 7.16% to 7.36%.
Sales in the area were poor, amounting to only £122. This is accounted for by pointing out that the area is comprised principally of small holdings in bog‑land, with the main source of livelihood being the marketing of turf and carrots. An important fact, too, is that the area is only five miles from Athlone and, consequently, a fairly high proportion of purchases would be made direct in the town.
Mr. F. Kolly, Area Organiser, struck one slight headache in finding a group of 8 consumers, all of whom were named McManus. In the old Irish way they were identified as Dan Jim’s Mick and Mick Jim’s Dan etc., and Mr. Kelly found some of Jimin Mhaire Thadhg in his endeavours to sort them out.
At the conclusion of construction work, Mass was celebrated in the house of Mr. John Hynes, where the Area Office was located. Celebrants were Monsignor Crowe, St. Peter’s, Athlone, assisted by Rev. Fr. Tully, C.C. The Acolyte was Mr. J. Thornton, Area Clerk. After the Mass, Mr. Thornton and Mr. Fortune had breakfast with Monsignor Crowe and Fr. Tully.
The report concludes with an expression of appreciation of the efforts of the staff of Materials Division under very difficult conditions."