European constituency boundaries to be redrawn

The establishment today by Minister Eoghan Murphy of an independent committee to report on European Parliament constituencies to accommodate the two additional seats for Ireland in next year’s European elections has been welcomed by Mairead McGuinness, MEP and first vice-president of the parliament.
 
Currently there are three European constituencies  with 11 seats - Dublin with three , Midlands North West with four and South with four also.  
 
“The drawing of the new boundaries will depend on population base and representation,” Ms McGuinness, the Midlands North West MEP who lives in Drumconrath, said.
 
“Due to report by 24th September, it will involve a public consultation and it’s an opportunity for people to have a say on the most appropriate reconfiguration,” she said.
 
Next year’s European elections will take place between 23rd and 26th May.
 
As well as Ireland having two extra seats the overall number of MEPs will be reduced from 751 to 705. The smaller Parliament arises as 73 UK MEPs will no longer sit in Parliament. 
 
“This is a logical step since the EU is getting smaller," the MEP said.
 
And she said it is regrettable that there will be no UK MEPs after the 2019 elections.