I move that the Limerick City Management Bill, 1950, be read a Second Time. In March last the Oireachtas confirmed a provisional Order to extend the area of Limerick City by the addition of approximately 3,000 acres. The existing population of 42,987 is increased by approximately 4,700. The corresponding population and members of the other county boroughs are as follows—in Cork City the population is 75,361 and the city council has 21 members. Dublin City population is 506,635 and there are 45 members of the city council. Waterford City population is 28,332 and there are 15 members of the city council.
By reason of the extension of Limerick City the city council have requested that the existing city council of 15 members should be increased to 17 members, and the request was unanimous. The number of members of a county borough council is not necessarily in exact ratio to population in comparison with other county boroughs and it does not necessarily follow that an increase in the area necessarily involves an increase in membership. Each case must necessarily be considered on its merits regard being had to the views of the local authority. As regards the local government electorate in Limerick City, the old city on the present register contains 24,954 local government electors and in the added area there are 3,501 local government electors so that the increase of two members sought by the city council is exactly proportionate to the increased electorate. I consider that the request of the city council is quite reasonable and justified, and I commend the proposal to the House.
