Parliamentary constituencies in the Republic of Ireland
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There are currently 40 multi-member constituencies, that democratically elect 158 Teachtaí Dála (members of parliament, often shortened to TDs), to Dáil Éireann (Ireland´s lower house), usually every five years. Article 16.2 of Bunreacht na hÉireann (the Irish Constitution) sets out how these electoral districts should be created by law using population figures recorded in the census of Ireland. Census reports are published every four years and are produced by the Central Statistics Office in Ireland. The Constitution stipulates that there will be no more than one TD representing twenty thousand and no less than one TD representing thirty thousand of the population, and from that constituencies should be amended by law to maintain these proportions and prohibit malapportionment. In order to avoid allegations of gerrymandering and to preserve the democratic integrity of the Dáil, the Constituency Commission was set up with the enactment of the Electoral Act 1997.[1] The commission is independent and is responsible for the redrawing of constituency boundaries.[2] Members of the five person commission must be a Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court as the Chairman, the Clerk of the Dáil, the Clerk of the Seanad, the Ombudsman, and the Secretary General of the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The constitution directs members of the Oireachtas (Irish legislature) which include, Uachtarán na hÉireann (President of Ireland), Dáil Éireann (Ireland´s lower house) and Seanad Éireann (Ireland´s upper house) to revise the constituencies at least every twelve years and in the event of any constituency changes required, then this should not occur during the life of the sitting Dáil. Proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote is the electoral system specified to be applied in all general elections to Dáil Éireann. While this system differs from by-elections for Dáil Éireann and elections for Uachtarán na hÉireann, which apply alternative vote, it is similarly applied in European Parliament Elections. The constitution specifies that the minimum number of TDs returned for each constituency can be no less than three, however it does not define the maximum number. To circumvent this anomaly, the Electoral Act 1997 was enacted, where Section 6 of the statute places a maximum size of five members on constituencies.[3] This means that the number of TDs elected from each constituency during a general election in Ireland may differ from three, four and five depending on the population in that district. The most recent changes to the constituency boundaries came about following the release of the population figures in the 2011 census.[4][5][6] This resulted in the Constituency Commission proposing changes in 2012 to the constituency map of Ireland so as to reduce the total number of TDs from 166 to 158, and the constituencies from 43 to 40.[7] The Electoral (Amendment) (Dáil Constituencies) Act 2013 provided for this change and for changes to constituencies.[8] The 2016 general election was the first time these changes in the constituencies of Ireland came into effect.
Changes for 2016 general election
In June 2012 the Constituency Commission proposed changes to the constituency map of Ireland so as to reduce the total number of TDs from 166 to 158 and the constituencies from 43 to 40.[9] The Electoral (Amendment) (Dáil Constituencies) Act 2013 provided for this change and for changes to constituencies.
Constituency | Population [10] | Seats | Boundary Areas Description[11] |
---|---|---|---|
Carlow–Kilkenny | 145,659 | 5 | The county of Kilkenny and the county of Carlow, except the part thereof which is comprised in the constituency of Wicklow. |
Cavan–Monaghan | 120,483 | 4 | The county of Monaghan and the county of Cavan, except the part thereof which is comprised in the constituency of Sligo–Leitrim. |
Clare | 111,336 | 4 | The county of Clare, except the part thereof which is comprised in the constituency of Limerick City. |
Cork East | 114,365 | 4 | In the county of Cork the electoral divisions of: Cobh Rural, Knockraha, in the former Rural District of Cork; Aghern, Ballyhooly, Ballynoe, Castlecooke, Castle Hyde, Castlelyons, Castletownroche, Coole, Curraglass, Fermoy Rural, Glanworth East, Glanworth West, Gortnaskehy, Gortroe, Kilcor, Kilcummer, Killathy, Kilworth, Knockmourne, Leitrim, Rathcormack, in the former Rural District of Fermoy; Ballyclogh, Buttevant, Caherduggan, Carrig, Clenor, Doneraile, Kilmaclenine, Mallow Rural, Monanimy, Shanballymore, Skahanagh, Wallstown, in the former Rural District of Mallow; Ballintemple, Ballycotton, Ballyspillane, Carrigtohill, Castlemartyr, Clonmult, Cloyne, Corkbeg, Dangan, Dungourney, Garryvoe, Ightermurragh, Inch, Lisgoold, Midleton Rural, Mogeely, Rostellan, Templebodan, Templenacarriga, in the former Rural District of Midleton; Ballyarthur, Derryvillane, Farahy, Kildorrery, Kilgullane, Kilphelan, Marshalstown, Mitchelstown, Templemolaga, in the former Rural District of Mitchelstown No. 1; Ardagh, Clonpriest, Kilcronat, Killeagh, Kilmacdonagh, Youghal Rural, in the former Rural District of Youghal No. 1; and the towns of Cobh, Fermoy, Mallow, Midleton and Youghal. |
Cork North-Central | 117,170 | 4 | In the city of Cork the electoral divisions of:Bishopstown A, Bishopstown B, Bishopstown C, Blackpool A, Blackpool B, Centre A, Centre B, Churchfield, Commons, Fair Hill A, Fair Hill B, Fair Hill C, Farranferris A, Farranferris B, Farranferris C, Gillabbey A, Gillabbey B, Gillabbey C, Glasheen A, Glasheen B, Gurranebraher A, Gurranebraher B, Gurranebraher C, Gurranebraher D, Gurranebraher E, Knocknaheeny, Mardyke, Mayfield, Montenotte A, Montenotte B, St. Patrick's A, St. Patrick's B, St. Patrick's C, Shanakiel, Shandon A, Shandon B, Sunday's Well A, Sunday's Well B, The Glen A, The Glen B, Tivoli A, Tivoli B; and, in the county of Cork, the electoral divisions of:Ballynaglogh, Blackpool, Blarney, Caherlag, Carrignavar, Carrigrohane Beg, Dripsey, Firmount, Glenville, Greenfort, Killeagh, Knockantota, Matehy, Rathcooney, Riverstown, St. Mary's, Whitechurch, and the townland of Inchigaggin in the electoral division of Bishopstown (part), in the former Rural District of Cork; Carrig, Kildinan, Watergrasshill, in the former Rural District of Fermoy; Gowlane, in the former Rural District of Macroom; Ballynamona, Rahan, in the former Rural District of Mallow. |
Cork North-West | 86,593 | 3 | In the county of Cork the electoral divisions of: Ballygroman, Ballymurphy, Bengour, Brinny, Kilbonane, Knockavilly, Moviddy, Murragh, Teadies, Templemartin, in the former Rural District of Bandon; Ballincollig, Ovens, in the former Rural District of Cork; Aultagh, Bealock, Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, Carrigboy, Castletown, Coolmountain, Garrown, Kinneigh, Manch, Teerelton, in the former Rural District of Dunmanway; Allow, Ballyhoolahan, Banteer, Barleyhill, Barnacurra, Bawncross, Boherboy, Castlecor, Castlemagner, Clonfert East, Clonfert West, Clonmeen, Coolclogh, Dromina, Glenlara, Gortmore, Greenane, Kanturk, Kilbrin, Kilmeen, Knockatooan, Knocktemple, Meens, Milford, Nad, Newmarket, Newtown, Roskeen, Rosnalee, Rowls, Tincoora, Tullylease, Williamstown, in the former Rural District of Kanturk; Aghinagh, An Sliabh Riabhach, Aglish, Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, Cannaway, Ceann Droma, Cill na Martra, Claonráth, Clondrohid, Clonmoyle, Doire Fhínín, Gort na Tiobratan, Greenville, Inchigeelagh, Kilberrihert, Kilcullen, Macloneigh, Magourney, Mashanaglass, Mountrivers, Na hUláin, Rahalisk, Warrenscourt, in the former Rural District of Macroom; Ardskeagh, Churchtown, Dromore, Imphrick, Kilshannig, Liscarroll, Milltown, Rathluirc, Springfort, Streamhill, Templemary, in the former Rural District of Mallow; Caherbarnagh, Coomlogane, Crinnaloo, Cullen, Derragh, Doonasleen, Drishane, Keale, Kilcorney, Knocknagree, Rathcool, Skagh, in the former Rural District of Millstreet; and the town of Macroom. |
Cork South-Central | 117,952 | 4 | The city of Cork, except the part thereof which is comprised in the constituency of Cork North-Central; and, in the county of Cork, the electoral divisions of: Ballygarvan, Carrigaline, Douglas, Iniskenny, Lehenagh, Monkstown Rural, Monkstown Urban, and the townland of Ballinaspig More in the electoral division of Bishopstown (part) in the former Rural District of Cork; Carrigaline, Kilpatrick, Liscleary, Templebreedy, in the former Rural District of Kinsale. |
Cork South-West | 82,952 | 3 | The county of Cork, except the parts thereof which are comprised in the constituencies of Cork East, Cork North-Central, Cork North-West, and Cork South Central. |
Donegal | 152,358 | 5 | The county of Donegal, except the part thereof which is comprised in the constituency of Sligo–Leitrim. |
Dublin Bay North | 146,512 | 5 | In the city of Dublin electoral divisions of:Ayrfield, Beaumont B, Beaumont C, Beaumont D, Beaumont E, Beaumont F, Clontarf East A, Clontarf East B, Clontarf East C, Clontarf East D, Clontarf East E, Clontarf West A, Clontarf West B, Clontarf West C, Clontarf West D, Clontarf West E, Drumcondra South A, Edenmore, Grace Park, Grange A, Grange B, Grange C, Grange D, Grange E, Harmonstown A, Harmonstown B, Kilmore A, Kilmore B, Kilmore C, Kilmore D, Priorswood A, Priorswood B, Priorswood C, Priorswood D, Priorswood E, Raheny-Foxfield, Raheny-Greendale, Raheny-St. Assam; and, in the county of Fingal, the electoral divisions of: Baldoyle, Howth, Sutton. |
Dublin Bay South | 116,396 | 4 | In the city of Dublin the electoral divisions of: Kimmage C, Mansion House A, Mansion House B, Pembroke East A, Pembroke East B, Pembroke East C, Pembroke East D, Pembroke East E, Pembroke West A, Pembroke West B, Pembroke West C, Rathfarnham, Rathmines East A, Rathmines East B, Rathmines East C, Rathmines East D, Rathmines West A, Rathmines West B, Rathmines West C, Rathmines West D, Rathmines West E, Rathmines West F, Royal Exchange A, Royal Exchange B, St. Kevin’s, South Dock, Terenure A, Terenure B, Terenure C, Terenure D, Wood Quay A, Wood Quay B. |
Dublin Central | 89,030 | 3 | In the city of Dublin the electoral divisions of: Arran Quay A, Arran Quay B, Arran Quay C, Arran Quay D, Arran Quay E, Ballybough A, Ballybough B, Cabra East A, Cabra East B, Cabra East C, Cabra West A, Cabra West B, Cabra West C, Cabra West D, Drumcondra South B, Inns Quay A, Inns Quay B, Inns Quay C, Mountjoy A, Mountjoy B, North City, North Dock A, North Dock B, North Dock C, Rotunda A, Rotunda B. |
Dublin Fingal | 141,162 | 5 | In the county of Fingal the electoral divisions of: Balbriggan Rural, Balbriggan Urban, Ballyboghil, Balgriffin, Balscadden, Clonmethan, Donabate, Garristown, Hollywood, Holmpatrick, Kilsallaghan, Kinsaley, Lusk, Malahide East, Malahide West, Portmarnock North, Portmarnock South, Rush, Skerries, Swords-Forrest, Swords-Glasmore, Swords-Lissenhall, Swords-Seatown, Swords Village; and those parts of the electoral divisions of Airport, Dubber and Turnapin situated north of a line drawn along the Northern Cross Route (M50), passing in a clockwise direction around and excluding roundabout No. 3 at the junction of the Northern Cross Route (M50) with the M1 motorway. |
Dublin Mid-West | 110,427 | 4 | In the county of South Dublin the electoral divisions of: Clondalkin-Cappaghmore, Clondalkin-Dunawley, Clondalkin-Moorfield, Clondalkin-Rowlagh, Clondalkin Village, Lucan-Esker, Lucan Heights, Lucan-St. Helens, Newcastle, Palmerston Village, Palmerston West, Rathcoole, Saggart; and that part of the electoral division of Clondalkin-Monastery situated west of a line drawn along the M50 Western Parkway. |
Dublin North-West | 90,534 | 3 | In the city of Dublin the electoral divisions of: Ballygall A, Ballygall B, Ballygall C, Ballygall D, Ballymun A, Ballymun B, Ballymun C, Ballymun D, Ballymun E, Ballymun F, Beaumont A, Botanic A, Botanic B, Botanic C, Drumcondra South C, Finglas North A, Finglas North B, Finglas North C, Finglas South A, Finglas South B, Finglas South C, Finglas South D, Whitehall A, Whitehall B, Whitehall C, Whitehall D; and, in the county of Fingal, those parts of the electoral divisions of Airport, Blanchardstown-Abbotstown, Dubber, The Ward and Turnapin situated south of a line drawn along the Northern Cross Route (M50), passing in a clockwise direction around and including roundabout No. 3 at the junction of the Northern Cross Route (M50) with the M1 Motorway. |
Dublin Rathdown | 87,470 | 3 | In the county of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown the electoral divisions of:Ballinteer-Broadford, Ballinteer-Ludford, Ballinteer-Marley, Ballinteer-Meadowbroads, Ballinteer-Meadowmount, Ballinteer-Woodpark, Churchtown-Castle, Churchtown-Landscape, Churchtown-Nutgrove, Churchtown-Orwell, Churchtown-Woodlawn, Clonskeagh-Belfield, Clonskeagh-Farranboley, Clonskeagh-Milltown, Clonskeagh-Roebuck, Clonskeagh-Windy Arbour, Dundrum-Balally, Dundrum-Kilmacud, Dundrum-Sandyford, Dundrum-Sweetmount, Dundrum-Taney, Glencullen, Stillorgan-Deerpark, Stillorgan-Kilmacud, Stillorgan-Merville, Stillorgan-Mount Merrion, Tibradden. |
Dublin South-Central | 114,660 | 4 | In the city of Dublin the electoral divisions of:Carna, Chapelizod, Cherry-Orchard A, Cherry-Orchard C, Crumlin A, Crumlin B, Crumlin C, Crumlin D, Crumlin E, Crumlin F, Decies, Drumfinn, Inchicore A, Inchicore B, Kilmainham A, Kilmainham B, Kilmainham C, Kimmage A, Kimmage B, Kimmage D, Kimmage E, Kylemore, Merchants Quay A, Merchants Quay B, Merchants Quay C, Merchants Quay D, Merchants Quay E, Merchants Quay F, Ushers A, Ushers B, Ushers C, Ushers D, Ushers E, Ushers F, Walkinstown A, Walkinstown B, Walkinstown C; and that part of the electoral division of Phoenix Park situated south of a line drawn along Chapelizod Road, Conyngham Road and Parkgate Street; and, in the county of South Dublin, the electoral divisions of: Templeogue-Kimmage Manor, Terenure-Cherryfield, Terenure-Greentrees; and those parts of the electoral divisions of Clondalkin-Ballymount, Clondalkin-Monastery and Tallaght-Kilnamanagh situated east of a line drawn along the M50 Western Parkway. |
Dublin South-West | 144,908 | 5 | In the county of South Dublin the electoral divisions of:Ballinascorney, Ballyboden, Bohernabreena, Edmondstown, Firhouse-Ballycullen, Firhouse-Knocklyon, Firhouse Village, Rathfarnham-Ballyroan, Rathfarnham-Butterfield, Rathfarnham-Hermitage, Rathfarnham-St. Enda’s, Rathfarnham Village, Tallaght-Avonbeg, Tallaght-Belgard, Tallaght-Fettercairn, Tallaght-Glenview, Tallaght-Jobstown, Tallaght-Killinardan, Tallaght-Kiltipper, Tallaght-Kingswood, Tallaght-Millbrook, Tallaght-Oldbawn, Tallaght-Springfield, Tallaght-Tymon, Templeogue-Cypress, Templeogue-Limekiln, Templeogue-Orwell, Templeogue-Osprey, Templeogue Village, Terenure-St. James; and those parts of the electoral divisions of Clondalkin-Ballymount and Tallaght-Kilnamanagh situated west of a line drawn along the M50 Western Parkway. |
Dublin West | 113,179 | 4 | In the county of Fingal the electoral divisions of:Blanchardstown-Blakestown, Blanchardstown-Coolmine, Blanchardstown-Corduff, Blanchardstown-Delwood, Blanchardstown-Mulhuddart, Blanchardstown-Roselawn, Blanchardstown-Tyrrelstown, Castleknock-Knockmaroon, Castleknock-Park, Lucan North; and those parts of the electoral divisions of Blanchardstown-Abbotstown, and The Ward situated north of a line drawn along the Northern Cross Route (M50); and, in the city of Dublin, the electoral divisions of: Ashtown A, Ashtown B; and that part of the electoral division of Phoenix Park situated north of a line drawn along Chapelizod Road, Conyngham Road and Parkgate Street. |
Dún Laoghaire | 118,791 | 4 | In the county of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown the electoral divisions of: Ballybrack, Blackrock-Booterstown, Blackrock-Carysfort, Blackrock-Central, Blackrock-Glenomena, Blackrock-Monkstown, Blackrock-Newpark, Blackrock-Seapoint, Blackrock-Stradbrook, Blackrock-Templehill, Blackrock-Williamstown, Cabinteely-Granitefield, Cabinteely-Kilbogget, Cabinteely-Loughlinstown, Cabinteely-Pottery, Dalkey-Avondale, Dalkey-Bullock, Dalkey-Coliemore, Dalkey Hill, Dalkey Upper, Dún Laoghaire-East Central, Dún Laoghaire-Glasthule, Dún Laoghaire-Glenageary, Dún Laoghaire-Monkstown Farm, Dún Laoghaire-Mount Town, Dún Laoghaire-Sallynoggin East, Dún Laoghaire-Sallynoggin South, Dún Laoghaire-Sallynoggin West, Dún Laoghaire-Salthill, Dún Laoghaire-Sandycove, Dún Laoghaire-West Central, Foxrock-Beechpark, Foxrock-Carrickmines, Foxrock-Deansgrange, Foxrock-Torquay, Killiney North, Killiney South, Shankill-Rathmichael, Shankill-Rathsallagh, Shankill-Shanganagh, Stillorgan-Leopardstown, Stillorgan-Priory. |
Galway East | 89,564 | 3 | In the county of Galway the electoral divisions of: Abbeygormacan, Aughrim, Ballymacward, Clonfert, Kilconnell, Killaan, Killallaghtan, Killoran, Kilmacshane, Kiltormer, Laurencetown, Oatfield, in the former Rural District of Ballinasloe No. 1; Scregg, in the former Rural District of Glennamaddy; Ardamullivan, Ardrahan, Ballycahalan, Beagh, Cahermore, Cappard, Castletaylor, Doorus, Drumacoo, Gort, Kilbeacanty, Killeely, Killeenavarra, Killinny, Kiltartan, Kilthomas, Kinvarra, Rahasane, Skehanagh, in the former Rural District of Gort; Aille, Athenry, Ballynagar, Bracklagh, Bullaun, Cappalusk, Castleboy, Cloonkeen, Colmanstown, Craughwell, Derrylaur, Drumkeary, Graigabbey, Grange, Greethill, Kilchreest, Kilconickny, Kilconierin, Killimor, Killogilleen, Kilmeen, Kilreekill, Kilteskill, Kiltullagh, Lackalea, Leitrim, Loughatorick, Loughrea Rural, Loughrea Urban, Marblehill, Mountain, Movode, Raford, Tiaquin, Woodford, in the formerRural District of Loughrea; Annagh, Cooloo, Derryglassaun, Mount Bellew, Mounthazel, in the former Rural District of Mount Bellew; Abbeyville, Ballyglass, Coos, Derrew, Drummin, Eyrecourt, Killimor, Kilmalinoge, Kilquain, Meelick, Moat, Pallas, Portumna, Tiranascragh, Tynagh, in the former Rural District of Portumna; Abbey East, Abbey West, Addergoole, Annaghdown, Ballinderry, Ballinduff, Ballynapark, Beaghmore, Belclare, Carrownagur, Carrowrevagh, Claretuam, Clonbern, Cloonkeen, Cummer, Donaghpatrick, Doonbally, Dunmore South, Foxhall, Headford, Hillsbrook, Kilbennan, Kilcoona, Killeany, Killeen, Killererin, Killower, Killursa, Kilmoylan, Kilshanvy, Levally, Milltown, Monivea, Moyne, Ryehill, Tuam Rural, Tuam Urban, in the former Rural District of Tuam. |
Galway West | 150,874 | 5 | The city of Galway; and, in the county of Galway, the electoral divisions of: Abhainn Ghabhla, An Cnoc Buí, An Uillinn, Ballynakill, Binn an Choire, Bunowen, Cleggan, Clifden, Cloch na Rón, Cushkillary, Derrycunlagh, Derrylea, Doonloughan, Errislannan, Inishbofin, Maíros, Rinvyle, Scainimh, Sillerna, in the former Rural District of Clifden; An Carn Mór, An Spidéal, Árainn, Aughrim, Baile Chláir, Baile an Teampaill, Ballynacourty, Bearna, Belleville, Ceathrú an Bhrúnaigh, Cill Aithnín, Clarinbridge, Deerpark, Eanach Dhúin, Galway Rural (part), Kilcummin, Leacach Beag, Liscananaun, Lisín an Bhealaigh, Maigh Cuilinn, Na Forbacha, Oranmore, Sailearna, Sliabh an Aonaigh, Stradbally, Tulaigh Mhic Aodháin, in the former Rural District of Galway; An Chorr, An Crompán, An Fhairche, An Ros, An Turlach, Camas, Cill Chuimín, Conga, Garmna, Leitir Breacáin, Leitir Móir, Letterfore, Oughterard, Wormhole, in the former Rural District of Oughterard; and, in the county of Mayo, the electoral divisions of: Ballinrobe, Cong, Dalgan, Houndswood, Kilcommon, Kilmaine, Neale, Shrule, in the former Rural District of Ballinrobe; Garrymore in the former Rural District of Claremorris. |
Kerry | 145,502 | 5 | The county of Kerry. |
Kildare North | 115,350 | 4 | In the county of Kildare the electoral divisions of: Balraheen, Celbridge, Cloncurry, Donadea, Donaghcumper, Kilcock, Leixlip, Maynooth, Straffan, in the former Rural District of Celbridge No. 1; Ballynadrumny, Cadamstown, Carbury, Carrick, Drehid, Dunfierth, Kilrainy, in the former Rural District of Edenderry No. 2; Bodenstown, Clane, Downings, Kill, Kilteel, Naas Rural, Newtown, Oughterard, Rathmore, Timahoe North, in the former Rural District of Naas No. 1; and the town of Naas. |
Kildare South | 115,350 | 3 | The county of Kildare, except the part thereof which is comprised in the constituency of Kildare North and the part thereof which is comprised in the constituency of Laois. |
Laois | 87,745 | 3 | The county of Laois; and in the county of Kildare the electoral divisions of: Ballybrackan, Churchtown, Harristown,Kilberry, Kildangan, Monasterevin, in the former Rural District of Athy No. 1. |
Limerick City | 113,835 | 4 | The city of Limerick; and, in the county of Limerick, the electoral divisions of: Abington, Ballybricken, Ballycummin, Ballysimon, Ballyvarra, Caherconlish East, Caherconlish West, Castleconnell, Cappamore, Clonkeen, Doon West, Glenstal, Limerick South Rural, Roxborough, in the former Rural District of Limerick No. 1; Bilboa, in the former Rural District of Tipperary No. 2; and, in the county of Clare, the electoral division of: Ballyglass in the former Rural District of Meelick. |
Limerick County | 83,834 | 3 | The county of Limerick, except the parts thereof which are comprised in the constituency of Limerick City. |
Longford–Westmeath | 116,802 | 4 | The county of Longford; and, in the county of Westmeath, the electoral divisions of: Athlone East Rural, Auburn, Ballybroder, Bellanalack, Carn, Castledaly, Glassan, Kilcumreragh, Killinure, Moate, Mount Temple, Moydrum, Muckanagh, Tubbrit, Umma, in the former Rural District of Athlone No. 1; Ardnagragh, Ballymore, Doonis, Drumraney, Noughaval, Piercetown, Templepatrick, Winetown, in the former Rural District of Ballymore; Boherquill, Coole, Coolure, Finnea, Glore, Knockarrow, Rathowen, Street, in the former Rural District of Coole; Ardnaglew, Ballinalack, Ballykilmore, Ballymorin, Ballynagore, Belvidere, Carrick, Castle, Castlelost, Castletown, Churchtown, Cloghan, Clonfad, Clonlost, Derrymore, Dysart, Emper, Enniscoffey, Gaybrook, Glenlough, Greenpark, Griffinstown, Heathstown, Hopestown, Huntingdon, Jamestown, Kilbeggan, Kilbixy, Killare, Killucan, Kinnegad, Knockdrin, Lackan, Lauree, Middleton, Milltown, Mullingar Rural, Mullingar North Urban, Mullingar South Urban, Multyfarnham, Newtown, Owel, Portloman, Raharney, Rahugh, Rathconrath, Russellstown, Skeagh, Sonna, Stonehall, Streamstown, Taghmon, Tullaghan, Woodland, in the former Rural District of Mullingar; and the town of Athlone. |
Louth | 143,272 | 5 | The county of Louth; and, in the county of Meath, the electoral divisions of: Julianstown, St. Mary’s (part), in the former Rural District of Meath. |
Mayo | 120,332 | 4 | The county of Mayo, except the part thereof which is comprised in the constituency of Galway West. |
Meath East | 86,572 | 3 | In the county of Meath the electoral divisions of: Drumcondra, Grangegeeth, Killary, in the former Rural District of Ardee No. 2; Culmullin, Donaghmore, Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin, Kilbrew, Killeen, Kilmore, Rathfeigh, Ratoath, Rodanstown, Skreen, in the former Rural District of Dunshaughlin; Ardagh, Carrickleck, Ceanannas Mór Rural, Cruicetown, Kilmainham, Maperath, Moybolgue, Moynalty, Newcastle, Newtown, Nobber, Posseckstown, Staholmog, Trohanny, in the former Rural District of Kells; Ardcath, Duleek, Mellifont, Stamullin, in the former Rural District of Meath; Ardmulchan, Castletown, Domhnach Phádraig, Kentstown, Painestown, Rathkenny, Slane, Stackallan, Tara, in the former Rural District of Navan; and the town of Kells. |
Meath West | 85,550 | 3 | The county of Meath, except the parts thereof which are comprised in the constituencies of Meath East and Louth, and the county of Westmeath, except the part thereof which is comprised in the constituency of Longford–Westmeath. |
Offaly | 87,640 | 3 | The county of Offaly; and in the county of North Tipperary the electoral divisions of: Aglishcloghane, Ballingarry, Ballylusky, Borrisokane, Carrig, Cloghjordan, Cloghprior, Clohaskin, Finnoe, Graigue, Kilbarron, Lorrha East, Lorrha West, Mertonhall, Rathcabban, Redwood, Riverstown, Terryglass, Uskane, in the former Rural District of Borrisokane; Ardcrony, Ballygibbon, Ballymackey, Knigh, Monsea, in the former Rural District of Nenagh. |
Roscommon–Galway | 84,586 | 3 | The county of Roscommon; and the county of Galway except the part thereof which is comprised in the constituencies of Galway East and Galway West. |
Sligo–Leitrim | 119,153 | 4 | The county of Sligo; and the county of Leitrim; and, in the county of Donegal, the electoral divisions of: Ballintra, Ballyshannon Rural, Bundoran Rural, Carrickboy, Cavangarden, Cliff, in the former Rural District of Ballyshannon; Ballintra in the former Rural District of Donegal; and the towns of Ballyshannon and Bundoran; and, in the county of Cavan, the electoral divisions of: Ballyconnell, Ballymagauran, Bawnboy, Benbrack, Bilberry, Carn, Diamond, Doogary, Kinawley, Lissanover, Pedara Vohers, Swanlinbar, Templeport, Tircahan, in the formerRural District of Bawnboy; Ardue, Arvagh, Ballintemple, Bruce Hall, Corr, Crossdoney, Drumcarban, Kilconny, Killashandra, Killykeen, Milltown, Springfield, in the former Rural District of Cavan; Derrylahan, Derrynananta, Dowra, Dunmakeever, Eskey, Killinagh, Teebane, Tuam, in the former Rural District of Enniskillen No. 2; Loughdawan, Scrabby, in the former Rural District of Mullaghoran. |
Tipperary | 147,801 | 5 | The county of South Tipperary; and the county of North Tipperary, except the part thereof which is comprised in the constituency of Offaly. |
Waterford | 113,795 | 4 | The city of Waterford; and the county of Waterford. |
Wexford | 145,320 | 5 | The county of Wexford. |
Wicklow | 141,012 | 5 | The county of Wicklow; and, in the county of Carlow, the electoral divisions of: Clonmore, Hacketstown, Haroldstown, Kineagh, Rahill, Rathvilly, Tiknock, Williamstown, in the former Rural District of Baltinglass No. 2. |
2011 constituencies
For the 2011 general election, 166 TDs were elected from the following 43 constituencies:
2011 general election
The 2007 report of the Constituency Commission,[12] an independent body established by the Government of Ireland to review constituency boundaries, proposed several changes to Dáil constituencies. These changes were provided for by the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2009. In July 2011 the Irish government established a commission to review to the current Dáil and European constituencies.[13]
This table summarises the changes in representation. It does not address revisions to the boundaries of constituencies.
Constituency | Created | Seats | Change |
---|---|---|---|
Dublin West | 1981 | 4 | plus 1 seat |
Dún Laoghaire | 1977 | 4 | minus 1 seat |
Kerry North | 1937 | 3 | abolished |
Kerry North–West Limerick | 2011 | 3 | new constituency |
Limerick | 2011 | 3 | new constituency |
Limerick City | 2011 | 4 | new constituency |
Limerick East | 1948 | 5 | abolished |
Limerick West | 1948 | 3 | abolished |
Louth | 1923 | 5 | plus 1 seat |
There were further boundary changes to 18 constituencies, these were: Cork East, Cork North-Central, Cork North-West, Donegal North-East, Donegal South-West, Dublin North, Dublin North-Central, Dublin North-East, Dublin South, Kerry South, Kildare North, Kildare South, Laois–Offaly, Meath East, Meath West, Roscommon–South Leitrim, Sligo–North Leitrim and Tipperary North.
Historic changes
2007 general election
In 2004 the report of the Constituency Commission,[14] proposed major changes to Dáil constituencies. Five new constituencies were created under the Electoral (Amendment) Act 2005:
- Longford–Westmeath (4)
- Meath East (3)
- Meath West (3)
- Roscommon–South Leitrim (3)
- Sligo–North Leitrim (3)
These replaced the four existing constituencies of Longford–Roscommon, Meath, Sligo–Leitrim and Westmeath. These new changes resulted in the creation of a 43rd constituency and the removal of the provincial boundary breach between Leinster and Connacht.
The number of seats was reduced in two constituencies:
- Cork North-Central (from 5 to 4)
- Dublin North-Central (from 4 to 3)
Two three-seater constituencies gained an extra seat:
- Dublin Mid-West (from 3 to 4)
- Kildare North (from 3 to 4)
There were further smaller boundary changes to eleven constituencies outside Dublin, these were: Clare, Cork North-West, Cork South-Central, Cork South-West, Donegal North-East, Donegal South-West, Kerry North, Kerry South, Kildare South, Limerick East and Limerick West.
Boundaries for ten of the twelve Dublin constituencies were also revised apart from Dublin South-East and Dún Laoghaire.
2002 general election
- Dublin North-East, Dublin North-West and Dublin West were reduced from 4 to 3 seats
- Dublin South-Central was increased from 4 to 5 seats.
- Dublin South-West was reduced from 5 to 4 seats
- Dublin Mid-West was a new 3-seater
1997 general election
- Mayo East (3) and Mayo West (3) were replaced by Mayo (5)
- Kildare (5) was replaced by Kildare North (3) and Kildare South (3)
- Galway East was increased from 3 to 4 seats
- Tipperary South was reduced from 4 to 3 seats
1992 general election
- Longford–Westmeath (4) and Roscommon (3) were replaced with Westmeath (3) and Longford–Roscommon (4)
- Dublin North was increased from 3 to 4 seats
- Dublin Central was reduced from 5 to 4 seats
- Dublin South-West was increased from 4 to 5 seats
- Dublin South-Central was reduced from 5 to 4 seats
- Dublin West was reduced from 5 to 4 seats
- Wicklow was increased from 4 to 5 seats
References
- ↑ Electoral Act 1997, Office of the Attorney General, Retrieved 3 March 2016, http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/1997/act/25/enacted/en/html
- ↑ Consultation Paper on the Establishment of an Electoral Commission in Ireland, (2015), Department of Environment, Community, and Local Government, http://www.environ.ie/sites/default/files/migrated-files/en/Publications/LocalGovernment/Voting/FileDownLoad%2C40119%2Cen.pdf
- ↑ ELECTORAL (AMENDMENT) ACT, 2001, Office of the Attorney General, http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2001/act/38/enacted/en/print
- ↑ This is Ireland: Highlights of the Census 2011, Part 1, (2012) Central Statistics Office, Dublin, Government Publications, http://www.cso.ie/en/media/csoie/census/documents/census2011pdr/Census,2011,Highlights,Part,1,web,72dpi.pdf
- ↑ This is Ireland; Highlights from Census 2011 Part 2, (2012) Central Statistics Office, Dublin, Government Publications http://www.cso.ie/en/media/csoie/census/documents/thisisirelandpart2census2011/This,is,Ireland,Highlights,,P2,Full,doc.pdf
- ↑ Census 2011 Reports, Central Statistics Office, Retrieved 3 March 2016 http://www.cso.ie/en/census/census2011reports/
- ↑ Constituency Committee Report, (2012), Retrieved 3 March 2016 http://www.constituency-commission.ie/docs/Constit-Rep-2012-Chap-1.pdf
- ↑ Electoral (Amendment) (Dáil Constituencies) Act 2013, Office of the Attorney General, http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2013/act/7/schedule/enacted/en/html#sched
- ↑ "Summary of recommendation" (PDF). Constituency Commission. 21 June 2012.
- ↑ Collins, S, (2016), Election 2016; Constituency Profiles and Predictions, The Irish Times, Retrieved from http://www.irishtimes.com/election-2016/constituencies
- ↑ Electoral (Amendment) (Dáil Constituencies) Act 2013, Office of the Attorney General, http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2013/act/7/schedule/enacted/en/html#sched
- ↑ "Report on Dáil and European Parliament Constituencies 2007" (PDF). Constituency Commission. 23 October 2007. Retrieved 14 June 2008.
- ↑ http://www.publicaffairsireland.com/news/802-commission-established-to-review-dail-and-european-constituencies
- ↑ "Report on Dáil Constituencies, 2004" (PDF). Constituency Commission. 2004.