Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 12 Jun 2001

Vol. 537 No. 5

Written Answers. - Polling Stations.

Michael Creed

Ceist:

405 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that local authorities are being obliged to close small rural polling stations due to a directive received by his Department; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that in many cases this will oblige voters to travel long distances, up to ten miles in some cases, to a polling booth; if he will reverse this directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17155/01]

Billy Timmins

Ceist:

414 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the directives or circulars he issued to local authorities with recommendations regarding the number of electors at polling stations; if any of these directives or circulars indicated if polling stations should be closed if they did not meet a certain requirement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17266/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 405 and 414 together.

Under section 28 of the Electoral Act, 1992, local authorities are responsible for making a polling scheme dividing a county or county borough into polling districts and appointing a polling place for each polling district for the purpose of holding elections. Polling schemes are drafted in accordance with the Electoral (Polling Scheme) Regulations, 1964, and a memorandum for the guidance of local authorities issued by my Department. In relation to the size of polling districts, that advice states that polling districts should be of reasonable size with a general aim of districts with 700 to 1000 electors in rural areas. Where polling districts of less than 350 electors are proposed, explanations are sought from local authorities.

Ultimately, however, the number and location of polling stations and the allocation of electors to them is a matter for the appropriate returning officer.