Area: St. Johns
Started: February 1952
Finished: January 1953
Poles used: 682
Line used (km): 65
Premises connected: 206
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 March 1953 tells us about the open air film programme at the switch on in St. Johns
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"St. John’s Rural Area, Co. Kilkenny:
Although the report on this area comes from the pen of Mr. J. Vale, R.A.E., he opens by pointing out that Mr. S. Coakley was in charge for most of the construction period and that the job was 75% completed when he (Mr. Vale) took over.
St. John’s was one of those areas which came to a halt when “Swan” disappeared last summer. The gang was then moved to the neighbouring area of Three Castles and eventually St. John’s was not completed until November and early December.
There were originally 240 economic acceptances in the area (the addition on the Summary Sheet was 238) but between the time of canvass and the commencement of construction, 24 of these were cancelled. One of these cancellations was due to the construction of the Kilkenny networks. As these consisted of the best group in the area, the result of the transfer was detrimental to the final economics of the area.
There were 25 backsliders but 32 new acceptances were obtained, of whom 9 are paying increased fixed charges; thus the final total is 223 acceptances. In spite of the drop in the number of consumers, revenue increased from £1,554 to £1,581 and as the final gross cost just under the estimate, the return for the area improved from 7.25% to 7.41%. It would seem, therefore, that the loss of the best group in the area only served to put the construction crew on their mettle. An unusual feature of the ceremonial switch‑on was that one of the Taker Trailers was on display and was floodlighted from trees nearby. Mr. Vale tells us that the function was favoured with a fine night and the outdoor film programme on the trailer proved to be a great success, both sound and vision being perfect. To get the impression that Mr. Vale would personally have enjoyed some more lighthearted film fare than we customarily provide.
Mr. Killeen, A.O., found that the most interesting feature of sales in the area was the demand for Everlite Pumps, both Deep and Shallow Well. 13 were sold and other items sold included 4 Grain Grinders; 3‑Plate Cookers; 1 Single‑Plate Cooker; 2 Washing Machines; 3 Converters; 2 Bucco Boilers and some Irons. Total sales amounted to just over £1,250. Contractors in the area sold principally domestic appliances; in many cases the customers visited premises in Kilkenny City where they could pick and choose. One Pump Contracting firm sold and installed 2 Deep Well Pressure Storage Systems. Six farmers converted their Milking Machines to electric drive. Indications are that there will be a future market for more Pumps.
Mr. Vale’s report concludes with the statement that practically all of the farmers have installed outside lights. Perhaps when he reads this précis of his report he might be good enough to advise us in detail on this point."