Area: Lahardane
Started: June 1956
Finished: February 1957
Poles used: 1622
Line used (km): 134
Premises connected: 318
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.
Thatched cottages were very prevalent in Lahardane according to The REO News from May 1957
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Lahardane Rural Area, Co. Mayo:
From the slopes of the Galtee Mountains we travel north‑west for our next area report to the slopes of Slieve Nephin in Co. Mayo. This mountain is the central feature of the Lahardane Area which is bounded by Loch Conn on the east and on the western side peters out into the wild bog‑land stretching to the sea. Every possible type of ground, except sandy desert, appears to have been met with but the construction crew were on top of their job and surmounted all difficulties. The R.A.E., Mr. McHale, was particularly pleased with the success of the work, as damage caused by the storms which struck the area towards completion was almost negligible.
The ill‑wind which blew through the Middle East was used to good effect in consumer propaganda in Lahardane. Considerable difficulty had been met with in trying to persuade a large number of householders who had already agreed to special service charges to remain on the books as prospective consumers when the 10% increase in fixed charges was announced. The possible lack of dependence on oil supplies was used judiciously in getting the area to show a net gain of 81 new consumers. Thatched cottages were very prevalent and full use was made of the service pole allocation. The final result from the financial point of view is expected by Mr. McHale to show an increase from 5.17% to 5.3%.
Considering the nature of the area a very good sales figure of £1,320 was achieved by Mr. E. O’Doherty, A.O., and we agree with Mr. McHale that he can well feel proud of his selling prowess.
The R.A.E. concludes by paying tribute to Mr. M. Devine, his Supervisor, and the whole construction crew."