Clare’s boundary changes have been branded as an absolute disaster for many communities across the county, particularly in North Clare.
Under the new electoral lines approved by the Environment Minister – the county is now split into four – West Clare, and Ennis – which have eight seats each, and Killaloe and Shannon with 6 seats per area.
This means – the Ennistymon electoral area has been scrapped with voters in the Burren now effectively divided into two seperate election divisions.
While Shannon gains around 9000 extra votes – the new electoral divide there also sees communities around Sixmilebridge spilt.
Fine Gael Councillor Joe Arkin who loses around two thirds of his votes due to the changes fears many rural communites now won’t have any local representative
