Electoral Boundaries.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 October 2007

Wednesday, 10 October 2007

Ceisteanna (60)

Mary Upton

Ceist:

126 Deputy Mary Upton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his plans to review local authority electoral area boundaries in advance of the next local elections particularly having regard to the significant population changes experienced in many areas since the boundaries were last reviewed in 1998 and the need for certainty in regard to the areas, with elections now less than two years away; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22804/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Deputy John Gormley)

Unlike for Dáil and European Parliament constituencies, there are no legal requirements in relation to the frequency of local electoral area reviews. The last review of local electoral areas was carried out in 1998; the next local elections are due to take place in 2009. I am at present considering the issues around a review of local electoral areas and I expect to be in a position to make a statement on the matter shortly.