Area: Looscaun
Started: August 1953
Finished: December 1953
Poles used: 597
Line used (km): 52
Premises connected: 147
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.
There where problems high wide fences, furze and water in Looscaun according to The REO News from January 1954
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Looscaun Rural Area, Co. Galway
Mr. Mooney, R.A.E., seems to have less pleasant memories of Looscaun than those of the sportsmen who fish and shoot on the shores of Lough Derg. His memory of it is of a jungle of high hedges, furze and water. It is only recently that the farmers of the region came into possession of their lands from the large landowners and it is taking a lot of the pioneering spirit to show some effect on the neglect which apparently was characteristic of its earlier ownership.
Re‑measurement of the houses and increases in the fixed charge provided a considerable headache for the Area Organiser, Mr. Curriffe. The increases were an excellent excuse for backsliding but Mr. Curriffe battled on and finished up with a revenue increase from £758 to £1,038 and with an improvement in the consumer position from an original 139 to a final 162. The improvement was brought about by obtaining 45 new acceptances against 22 backsliders and his position would have been improved but for the fact that 7 of the backsliders recanted too late to be included in the original construction. It should be noted that of the 45 new acceptances 23 were obtained as an extension of the area. All consumers had been connected at the time of writing this report.
While no details are given of capital cost, it is a pleasure to note that the return improved from 4.8% to 5.1%.
Sales were low at a total of £360 but it is anticipated that they will improve as the consumers recover from the initial cost of wiring. Principal items include 4 2‑Plate Cookers; 2 1‑Plate Cookers; 2 Washing Machines; 1 Pump; 2 Power Packets and several Irons, Fires and Kettles. Outside contractors also sold several Irons, Fires, Kettles and Radios as well as one Water Pump. Outside lights numbered about 80.
Mr. Mooney says that many of the backsliders will come in under post‑development but anticipates that there will be fairly obstinate way‑leave objections.
We note with regret that the standard of work turned out by the wiring contractors was not very satisfactory and would recommend to Mr. Mooney that he make a confidential report on this subject to his District Engineer."