Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024
629. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage the official date of the forthcoming local elections; to confirm his intention to sign the statutory order for that date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11917/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra633. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will consider scheduling polling day for the local elections, to avoid widespread school closures and disruption to parents and children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11961/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 629 and 633 together.
Electoral law allows for the taking of a poll at an election or referendum on any day of the week. In deciding on a particular day, a wide range of considerations are taken into account and ultimately there are advantages and disadvantages attaching to any day chosen. The flexibility in the legislation allows all relevant factors to be taken into account at any given time in setting the polling day.
Section 26(2) of the Local Government Act 2001 (as amended) provides that the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage shall make an order (commonly referred to as a Polling Day Order) setting the day for the holding of the poll for the local elections.
I will make the relevant order shortly confirming the polling day at the forthcoming local elections.
