Area: Drom
Started: December 1955
Finished: February 1957
Poles used: 1221
Line used (km): 111
Premises connected: 270
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 May 1957 tells us about the illumination of a high cross in Drom.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
“Drom Rural Area, Co. Tipperary: Most readers will best know the location of the Drom Area if we say that it takes in that well‑known landmark, the Devil’s Bit Mountain, in north Tipperary. The mountain will be even more of a land‑mark on Church Feast‑days due to the provision of supply in the neighbourhood, as a feature of the area was the erection of an extension to a 45 ft. high cross on the summit which is to be illuminated by cold cathode fluorescent tubes.
Mr. J. Vale, R.A.E., in his report mentions that despite a drop in the output of the gang due to a reduction in size, the final unit cost and the miles per unit run by transport were both very satisfactory. Many more rock holes than anticipated had to be dealt with and the tractor was given plenty of use.
Despite a normal quota of backsliders the area wound up with a nett gain of 54 consumers over the original number of 300. Mr. Vale expected that the financial return would improve from 5.87% to 6.03% and we have no doubt that this expectation will be realized.
The A.O., Mr. P. Fogarty, encountered the usual difficulties in his sales work due to strong competition from traders in Thurles and Templemore and also, of course, the effect of the import levies on prices of electrical equipment. However, his sales total reached £750 and the items included 4 3‑plate cookers and 2 washing machines.
Mr. Vale bade farewell to the construction crew before the area was actually completed when Mr. P. Thornbury took over his work. He pays tribute to all in the crew for the co‑operation he received and especially to his Supervisor, Mr. E. Ryan.”