Area: Terryglass
Started: May 1953
Finished: December 1953
Poles used: 681
Line used (km): 65
Premises connected: 170
Rock was a problem in Terryglass according to The REO News from January 1954
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Terryglass Rural Area, Co. Tipperary: Mr. F.P. Cremins, R.A.E., supplies the Post Construction Report on Terryglass.
Originally there were 179 economic acceptances out of the total 293 premises – then construction started 8 of the original acceptances were now vacant, 8 became backsliders, 3 further were rejected and there were 2 additional refusals where changes of tenancy had occurred. 47 new consumers were gained, including 9 which were originally uneconomic and in addition 5 of the uneconomics secured supply at increased fixed charges. The final total is therefore 210 or 72% of the total premises. Original capital was £19,058 increased to £20,660 by supplementary authorisation. Revenue was £1,128 increased to £1,194. The final figure showed capital estimated at £21,420 with revenue at £1,286 improving the authorised return from 5.78% to 6.0%.
Mr. Cremins noted that the £123 allowed for contingencies was totally inadequate. About 800 pole holes had rock in varying proportions and of these 500 were almost completely drilling jobs. The one compressor which was in full time use was transferred to another area where rock was apparently even greater than in Terryglass and the Warsop Drills that remained were out of commission quite frequently, with the result that a number of holes had to be left unfinished until a drill again became available. The report pays tribute to Supervisor C. Bradley for his handling of what was quite a headache.
Sales were not very impressive at a total of £558. Among the items sold by the Board were 3 Food Cookers, the opinion is expressed that this particular appliance may not find a good market later on. There is also an interest in pumps but “not just at the moment”.
Mr. Cremins mentioned the difficulties of selling in face of a contractor who is anxious to sell appliances direct to the consumer on try it out terms. We can see no good reason why a similar arrangement cannot be made under our A.R. Scheme. If a contractor arranges the installation and sale of the appliance to a Job Number and the proper recording of it on same the contractor or consumer or whom it is on loan. If the contractor is to be paid, unless a regular customer’s order can go through his Job Number, it is referred to the Board for O.K., it is referred to the Job Number concerned or vice‑versa in accordance with the issuing procedure. If in the course of the demonstration programme, certain specified appliances are being put on trial by consumers, the contractor might be asked to undertake the installation.
Some R.A.E.s will not recommend pumps unless recommended by a pump firm. E.S.B. will of course reimburse those who recommend pumps which have been installed in good faith. But is it quite logical to debar a pump contractor from our housing operative where a scheme might be proposed. He may even supply the pump but not the advice. We would welcome the opinion from others on this as to its suitability."