Census population results for Clare could strengthen the argument for all of the county to become part of the Clare general election constituency.
An electoral boundary commission is currently looking at the issue
The latest Census results show there are 28,206 people living in the Clare constituency for each TD.
This is the second lowest of any constituency in Ireland, while 25 of the 40 constituencies are actually over the limit of 30,000 people for each TD.
Therefore, the Constituency Commission is likely to recommend changes when it reviews boundaries – it could add to the number of TDs, and will almost certainly change some boundaries in a process that is currently ongoing.
Such a change may impact Clare, and in particular the 6,000 people living in South-East Clare who actually cast their ballots in the Limerick City constituency during a General Election.
With just under 119,000 people living here, that portion of the county could join the Clare constituency without breaching the Constitutional limit.
The Commission must finish its work by July 6th.
