Electrical power comes to the beautiful but remote Black Valley in County Kerry.
Black Valley is situated about 12 miles from the town of Killarney between the MacGillycuddy's Reeks and the Gap of Dunloe.
The nearest telephone line is nine miles away.
Maurice Green of the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) outlines some of the challenges faced in brining power to the valley. Distance from existing networks and the rugged terrain presented challenges for the ESB workers. Overhead poles were used to bring the electricity supply in. It is hoped that 25 houses will be fully connected to the network by Christmas and the remainder early in the new year.
One Black Valley resident and shopkeeper describes how life in the valley will change with the addition of an electricity supply. She is particularly looking forward to having fridge to stock perishable goods. Life in the valley has been difficult without electricity especially when it comes to washing laundry which can take hours by hand.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 14 December 1977. The reporter is Derek Davis.
