Area: Tober
Started: July 1956
Finished: October 1956
Poles used: 785
Line used (km): 76
Premises connected: 1
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 April 1957 noted that cattle prices affected the scheme in Tober.
This digital scan from the REO News displays the following text:
"Tober Rural Area, Cos. Westmeath/Offaly: A gentleman whom we knew well in Head Office for a number of years now takes his bow in our Area notes feature. He is Mr. B. Bambury, R.A.E., who submits the report for Tober Area. In his report, Mr. Bambury contrasts unfavourably the present prevalence of pastoral farming with the more widespread tillage which was practised during the emergency of some years ago. The diminution of tillage has resulted in a restriction of employment with, no doubt, its consequent result for emigration. Local opinion holds that the land is not suitable for tillage, being flat and low‑lying with soil of a heavy nature.
The concentration on the fattening of cattle had its adverse effect on the development of the area. When the original canvass was carried out prices were high and the percentage of acceptances was in accordance with the prevalent air of prosperity. When the area came to be developed, enthusiasm had somewhat evaporated and the result was a fall in the number of consumers from an expected 298 to a final figure of 242. In spite of this loss, the financial return was improved from 5.34% to 5.48% but this is only an apparent improvement as it takes into account the new revenue figures in calculating the final position.
Notwithstanding the drop in cattle prices, sales made by Mr. M. Tinney, A.O., reached the reasonable level of £695 consisting mainly of domestic appliances. Mr. Bambury notes that the local wiring contractor also had a fair level of sales.
For what he describes as a happy introduction to rural electrification work in the field Mr. Bambury adds a note of thanks to Mr. S. Foley from whom he took over the area, to his Supervisor, Mr. W. Loughman, and the crew."