Area: Dunhill
Started: September 1955
Finished: February 1956
Poles used: 1142
Line used (km): 99
Premises connected: 194
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 Dunhill coastline is fairly barren although ruggedly picturesque according to The REO News from June 1956.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Dunhill Rural Area, Co. Waterford: We would like to say a special word of thanks to Mr. G. V. Conway for his very interesting and informative report on the Dunhill Area.
Dunhill comprises mainly the coastal strip between Tramore and Bunmahon and includes such well-known places and features as the seaside resorts of Annestown, Newtown Cove and the Metal Man. The actual coast-line region is fairly barren although ruggedly picturesque, but inland lie heavily wooded fertile lands including the Peor O'Shee estate. It is a mixed farming area but sufficient milk is produced to keep two branch creameries busy. Both were electrified during the construction of the area. Other important loads which we noted were a 25 H.P. hammer mill installation, and the Carrickavantary Pumping Station of the Tramore Water Works. The region includes once prosperous copper mines and there is local hope that the new mining industry in Wicklow may awaken interest in the Dunhill mines and re-open them. Apparently some of the shafts are extensive and not very deep underground since in one case a pole being erected 1½ miles inland sank through the roof of a shaft and had to be rescued.
In spite of heavy backsliding there was a nett gain of 47 consumers and the area return broke even at 5.3% even though the capital costs were debited with pay arrears and Z tools. Average weekly output was 170 units at a cost of 36/6d per unit. Due to the closing of Annestown Bridge for repairs a fairly long detour was generally necessary with an adverse effect on mileage.
The report deals in considerable detail with the technical particulars of design and construction and of the effort to reduce the average length of L.T. per group. This is of particular interest to Technical Division to whom we are passing the report.
Mr. Conway also praises highly his Holman Tractair and tells us that it now has a small trailer for transporting the various pneumatic tools, the Roto pump, the explosives boxes, flags, etc. The unit has a "time clock" showing hours worked as well as a log book and this eliminates any hit and miss methods in tractair service.
In addition to doing an excellent job on the consumer side the Area Organiser, Mr. P. Cox, had a good sales total of £972 including, we noted, 10 pumps, 5 cookers and 3 washing machines. A grain drier is to be installed in one premises during the summer. The necessary extra cost of transformer capacity has already been paid.
It is most satisfying to note the tributes paid to Miss Rena Murphy and Mr. P. McGovern for their assistance to Mr. Cox in the demonstration at an early stage of construction. Particular mention is made of the value of Mr. McGovern's visits to the consumers selected by Mr. Cox, and it is recorded that many of those visited made a point of expressing to Mr. Conway their appreciation of the way in which Mr. McGovern cleared"
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"up their problems particularly his suggestions for the layout of pumping installations.
Readers will recall that during the construction of Grangemockler the gang struck a spring in digging a pole hole. The owner of the land, Mr. G. Smith, who previously had to carry water for a quarter of a mile has excavated the newly discovered well and found it a very strong spring indeed. He paid a special visit to the Dunhill demonstration to purchase a pump. The local hall in Dunhill now has an infra red heating installation carried out by a private contractor.
About 70% of all farm premises in the region have installed outside lights.
We understand that the salesman has already carried out a revisit to Dunhill and that Mr. Coade finds it a happy hunting ground.
Tribute is paid in the report to the former area clerk, Mr. M. Breathnach who has been transferred to the District Office and welcomes his successor Mr. A. Furlong who is no stranger to the crew, and who has proved himself an efficient successor to Mr. Breathnach. Mr. Conway also pays tribute to his supervisor Mr. John Molloy for the excellent smooth running and efficient gang he now has under his control saying that it has become immeasurably better than at its formation."