Vol. 308 No. 7
asked the Minister for the Environment, since Dublin city has the highest ratio of population to councillors of any county or county borough, and has none of the ancillary representatives like borough and urban district councillors common to all counties, if any increase is planned in the number of Dublin county borough councillors; and, if so, the increases planned.
451.
asked the Minister for the Environment if there are any plans to increase the number of councillors in any county or county borough council before next year's local elections; and, if so, the councils concerned, and the increases planned.
452.
asked the Minister for the Environment if the redrawing of electoral area boundaries is under consideration in any county or county borough; and, if so, which; and why the redrawing is deemed necessary.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 450, 451 and 452 together.
Dublin County Council are the only county council who have requested an increase in membership. The request is being processed in accordance with the appropriate statutory procedure. Alteration in the membership of the corporation of a county borough would require legislation and such legislation is not contemplated at present.
A general review of local electoral areas is not envisaged at this stage. However, if it is represented to me that changes in particular areas are desirable. I am prepared to give the matter careful consideration.
