Constituency Commission issues report

national | politics / elections | news report Thursday January 08, 2004 09:51 by pat - lp

Yesterday the Constituency Commission recommended an increase in the number of Dáil constituencies from 42 to 43 but is keeping the existing number of TDs at 166.

There are to be extra seats for Kildare North and Dublin Mid-West, which are currently three-seaters. Co Meath is splitting into Meath East and Meath West, which takes in part of Westmeath, each with three seats.

There is to be a reduction of a seat each in Cork North-Central, which is currently a five-seater, and the four-seat Dublin North-Central constituency.

A new constituency configuration across the North Midlands will split Co Leitrim. New constituencies will be Sligo/North Leitrim and Roscommon/South Leitrim both three-seaters.

There will be a new constituency of Longford/Westmeath and also be widespread boundary adjustments. For instance, ten of the 12 Dublin constituencies will see changes.

A number smaller parties have been critical of the increase of 3 seaters.

press relesase and map of changes : http://www.constituency-commission.ie/docs/press_dail_2004.pdf