Area: Rahan
Started: June 1952
Finished: February 1953
Poles used: 900
Line used (km): 80
Premises connected: 280
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.
Local labour was good and plentiful in Rahan according to The REO News from May 1953.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Rahan Rural Area, Co. Offaly: Rahan area, according to Mr. Fortune, started with 235 acceptances and a return of 7.07%. 34 consumers were lost, principally due to backsliding but against this, 79 additional consumers were gained, giving a total of 280 and a return of 7.03%.
Because of a heavily wooded estate, the backbone line had to be diverted to an extent of over 1 km. which more than accounts for the slight drop in the percentage return. In addition to the wooded nature of the area, which kept a timber gang of five men fully engaged, the construction crew also encountered some bog foundation and approximately 50 rock holes which required blasting. Local labour was good and plentiful and as a result the total of 280 consumers were all connected within four months.
The success of the demonstration was necessarily limited by the fact that on the evening of the switch‑in, the roads from Dublin to Tullamore and from Athlone to Tullamore were covered with a blanket of snow. Sales in the area amounted to £270, consisting particularly of 2 Grain Grinders and 1 Washing Machine but there was strong competition from the local contractor with sales vans. One enterprising contractor brought his wife with him to demonstrate Washing Machines in the homes of potential customers.
Mr. Fortune expresses his appreciation of Area Electrician, Mr. T. La Cumber for his efforts in getting all possible customers connected for Christmas and for his assistance in having such a high percentage connection before the construction crew left the area."