Extensive changes to Dáil constituency boundaries are expected to be unveiled this week when the Dáil Constituency Commission presents its recommendations to Ceann Comhairle John O'Donoghue.
The changes will be based on ensuring equitable representation of TDs in every part of the State on the basis of last year's population census. Major changes are expected given that population changes have significantly affected the TD-to-population ratio in almost half of the 43 Dáil constituencies.
Some of the biggest changes are expected in Dublin and surrounding counties, where population changes have been greatest. Dublin North and Dublin West, which are both underrepresented, are likely to gain a seat each.
Other Dublin constituencies which are over-represented, such as Dún Laoghaire-
Rathdown and Dublin South, may lose a seat each. Kildare South is one of a number of counties outside the capital expected to gain a seat.
In the west it seems that local constituencies from Kerry to Roscommon and Leitrim could be amalgamated.
The commission, which was established under law by the Minister for the Environment this year, received 173 submissions from political parties, individual politicians and interested citizens over the summer.
The Green Party, for example, wanted the commission to make significant boundary changes across the State but proposed minimal changes in the six constituencies where it holds seats.
The Labour Party did not make suggestions about specific constituency changes but made a strong argument for the maximum possible number of five-seat constituencies to ensure that the election result was as proportional as possible.
Sinn Féin also made a plea for five-seat constituencies and said it would favour the even larger seven-, eight- or nine-seaters as existed during the first decade of the State. Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael did not make official submissions but individual TDs and units of both organisations did suggest changes.
Membership of the commission includes the chairman, Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O'Neill; clerk of the Dáil Kieran Coughlan; clerk of the Seanad Deirdre Lane; secretary general of the Department of the Environment Geraldine Tallon, and Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly.
