Area: Farnaght
Started: July 1956
Finished: October 1956
Poles used: 2028
Line used (km): 158
Premises connected: 83
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.
High hedges were an issue in Farnaght reports The REO News from February 1957
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Farnaght Rural Area, Co. Leitrim:
The high hedges of this portion of Co. Leitrim did more than obstruct the view of the scenic attractions — they also impeded progress on pegging and stringing operations by the construction crew in charge of Mr. H. Payne.
The cultivated land of poor quality was interspersed by many stretches of bog which necessitated the use of side stays on a considerable number of poles. A large labour force enabled output to be maintained at a high level with a unit cost of reasonable proportions. Again low average spans were necessary and it seems that this condition has been more the rule than the exception in recent areas.
The number of consumers was increased considerably from 487, originally anticipated, to 601. Although Mr. Payne hazards no opinion, the figures seemed to point towards the maintenance of the original financial return, if indeed it is not improved.
Mr. G. Kelly, A.O. succeeded in selling only £237 worth of equipment but Mr. Payne attributed this almost entirely to the backwardness of the residents in their general attitude to new developments in any field. Be that as it may he suggests a higher level of co‑operation between the Board and the other groups and organisations with a view to making a concerted endeavour to advance the level of farming in such areas. He emphasises the setting up of Pilot farms as the main feature in such a programme, and there is much good sense in what he has put forward. We are very glad to receive such opinions as it shows a commendable outlook on the work in hand."