Area: Patrickswell, Co. Limerick
Started: December 1947
Finished: April 1948
Poles used: 1825
Line used (km): 134
Premises connected: 490
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.
Work in Patrickswell was not completed without having to overcome some problems as described in the May 1948 issue of The REO News.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"– 2 –
ECONOMIC ASPECT OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN SELECTED AREAS: (Contd.)
In one area it was not possible to connect the consumers wired and serviced owing to shortage of meters: but we regret to state that in at least one area there have been a number of “back sliders” and the area staff did not take the necessary steps to see that the total number of consumers as returned by the A.O. as Acceptances were connected. It will be seen from this the necessity of sending to the area during the construction period, the A.O. who originally canvassed the area. The responsibility for seeing that promises returned as Acceptances are really genuine, can then be very definitely fixed. Of the 9 areas listed above, 3 have been invoiced and 4 are ready for invoicing: we are glad to report that in those 7 cases the jobs have not been overspent. From these returns it will be seen that the position in Patrickswell may be considered as very satisfactory, in spite of labour trouble, shortage of material, variable weather, untrained staff and the hundred and one difficulties that go to make up a Rural Area. We congratulate not only the District Engineer but the R.A.E. Mr. Costelloe, the A.O. Mr. Roche and the Supervisor, Mr. Drennan. We must not forget Mr. Cronin who gave the area a good start despite the difficulties.
As regards the cost of the job you will note on another page the extraordinary difference between construction costs in various areas, although wages rates are the same. Further, it cannot be argued that costs are altogether influenced by the nature of the ground. It may well be that the drive and organising ability of the R.A.E. and the Supervisor are the determining factors, just as the foresight of the R.A.E. and the ability of the A.O. may be the determining factors in the percentage of original Acceptances finally connected."
But of course there was always a sporting event of some kind or other to relieve the stress as reported in The REO News from March 1948.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"We regret to report that a hurling team representing the rural area staff of Patrickswell captained by the R.A.E. suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of a Limerick District team captained by the D.E., the score being 8 goals 2 pts. to 3 goals 3 pts. Can the Bansha gang wipe out this stain?"
The wiring of a rural area was only the beginning, the next step was encouraging the purchase of appliances and some needed less encouragement than others as reported in The REO News from January 1950.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"The District Engineer, Limerick tells us that at the last meter reading in Patrickswell he requested the meter‑reader to get particulars of the appliances installed in all the residences visited in one day. The following are particulars for 35 consumers visited:
263 Lights
109 Sockets
13 Fires
19 Irons
16 Kettles
7 Cookers
4 Waterheaters
4 Vacuum Cleaners
5 Refrigerators
1 Milk Warmer
2 Churns
1 Milking Machine
1 Separator
2 Toasters
1 Percolator
2 Pumps
On another occasion this same meter‑reader came across a labourer’s cottage in which the following apparatus was installed:‑
1 8 KW Cooker
1 3 KW Burco Boiler
3 1250 W. Kettles
1 Washing Machine
3 Irons
1 Refrigerator
1 KW Lighting
800‑W Waterheating
The consumer in question has asked for an increase in transformer capacity as he proposes to install a Shallow‑Well Pump. He is a man with a family of 8 children and has purchased the labourer’s cottage in which he lives and in which he carries on a small laundry business. He has expressed himself as delighted with the installation."