Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
708. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if there is to be a review of local election boundaries in advance of local government elections in 2029; and a timeline for any such review. [34818/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra715. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage when a review and redrawing of the local electoral areas for the State's local authorities is expected to take place; whether this will occur in advance of the 2029 local elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34929/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 708 and 715 together.
Section 23 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers the Minister to divide a local authority administrative area into local electoral areas by order. However, in advance of deciding to make an order under section 23 of the 2001 Act, the Minister must, in accordance with section 32(2) of the Local Government Act 1991, request An Coimisiún Toghcháin to prepare a report having regard to such matters as may be specified by the Minister.
Before making a request to An Coimisiún, section 61 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides that the Minister shall lay a draft of the request before each House of the Oireachtas for approval by resolution by each House. Following the completion of a review, the Minister must publish the report of An Coimisiún and must have regard to the report in deciding whether to make an order in relation to any amendment to local electoral area boundaries or municipal districts.
The current configuration of local electoral areas has applied since the 2019 local elections, and followed a review of local electoral area boundaries conducted in two parts, both published in 2018. I will consider the need for future boundary reviews in advance of the 2029 local elections.
