Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Dec 1998

Vol. 497 No. 6

Written Answers - Local Authority Representation.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

193 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government his views on the fact that Leitrim, with a population of fewer than 26,000 people, will elect 22 county councillors in the local elections scheduled for 11 June 1999, whereas Malahide in north County Dublin, with a larger population will elect only four councillors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25924/98]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey):

There are no constitutional or statutory requirements relating to equality of representation between local authorities. Each local authority operates within its own administrative area and the main priority is that the relevant council has sufficient members to carry out its functions effectively.