Area: Skreen
Started: September 1955
Finished: April 1956
Poles used: 1290
Line used (km): 126
Premises connected: 288
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.
The REO News from June 1956 reports that weather conditions were very bad in Skreen.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Skreen Rural Area, Co. Sligo: Mr. J. F. Ryan provides the report on Skreen Rural Area which was unusual in experiencing a change of organiser, clerk and R.A.E. during the course of construction. Mr. D. Loughrey, the original R.A.E., unfortunately became ill during the early period of construction, Mr. D. McGrady, A.O., took over from Mr. B. McGowan, and Mr. J. A. Long replaced Mr. P. Higgins as clerk.
Weather conditions were very bad during construction with snow and ice slowing down rate considerably. Holes opened before the snow fell became water‑logged, and to add to the troubles of the crew about 40% of the holes were in rock and quite an amount of timber was encountered near the foot of the Ox Mountains which isolated the area from the plains of North Mayo and Southern Sligo.
We have no figures for construction costs but we did note a nett increase of 110 consumers, bringing in an additional annual revenue of approximately £440.
The Area Organiser, Mr. McGrady, set up a small showrooms in the area office and it is disappointing to learn that the good ladies of Skreen seem to be particularly shy, and that only a few availed of the opportunity to visit the display. However, the total figure for sales at £950 is quite creditable and comprised in the main, pumps, washing machines, and cookers. Future prospects for sales are not very promising but Mr. Ryan thinks there is some market for pumps. The report includes Mr. Ryan’s thanks to his supervisor and to all the gentlemen he was in contact with in our opening paragraph for their assistance to a “very inexperienced R.A.E.”.