Area: Donoughmore
Started: May 1953
Finished: January 1954
Poles used: 1121
Line used (km): 103
Premises connected: 210
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 March 1954 reports that the benefits of electricity were obvious in Donoughmore.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Donoughmore Rural Area, Co. Cork: Mr. P.J. Montgomery, A.O. has supplied us with the post‑construction report on Donoughmore.
In this area there were 23 backsliders – a high percentage of the original total of 273. There were on the other side of the ledger 47 new consumers but, unfortunately, most of these were supplied at the limit ratio and, as a net result, although revenue increased from £2,228 to £2,190, the percentage return dropped from 5.96% to 5.51%. A certain amount of the fall in revenue can also be attributed to the fact that in many cases it was necessary to increase the transformer capacity above the designed standard, because of the installation of cookers etc.
Sales were very satisfactory, at a total of £1,490, including such items as 18 Cookers, 6 Washing Machines, 6 Pressure Storage Pumps, 3 Burco Boilers, 2 Welders, 8 Kettles, 8 Irons and 1 3 H.P. Motor.
Ten wiring contractors worked in the area and all sold the customary items, such as Fires, Irons, Kettles, Radios, Burco Boilers etc. They had also a few Cooker sales and some sales of Washing Machines.
It is pleasing to note that outside lights were plentifully installed and the report concludes with Mr. Montgomery’s opinion that it was quite obvious in the area that the social and economic benefits of electricity are recognised."