(Cavan) asked the Minister for Local Government if a farmer, wishing to extend electric current from his residence on one side of a county road to his farm buildings on the other side by way of a cable under the road, is liable for a sum of £2 per annum indefinitely to the local authority under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 1963, Licensing Regulations, 1965; and, if so, if he will take steps to exempt such a case from an annual payment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electric Cable Charge.
18.
As the regulations stand, a person could be liable to payment of an annual licence fee in the circumstances described by the Deputy.
(Cavan): Would the Minister not think it unreasonable that a farmer whose dwellinghouse is on one side of the road and whose outbuildings are on the other should be charged, for extending electric light from his house to his outbuildings, a fee of £2 annually indefinitely; and will he, as requested in the second part of the question, take steps to amend the regulations so as to absolve such a person from such annual fee?
As far as I can gather —this may not be universal—other local authorities do not do this. I will inquire into the position in the Cavan area and in other local authority areas in general.
(Cavan): I am very glad to hear the Minister say that this rule is not applied over all the country. Perhaps the Minister would direct the attention of Cavan County Council to the practice in other local authority areas?
I will look into this matter generally.
(Cavan): I am much obliged to the Minister.