Boundary Committee report: Boundary changes creating division in Clondalkin
By Maurice Garvey
THE new boundary changes have been criticised for creating a division between Clondalkin and North Clondalkin, reports Maurice Garvey.
Published last week, major changes will see North Clondalkin separated from Clondalkin, and moved into a new five seat electoral ward of Palmerstown/Fonthill (including Lucan east of the Outer Ring Road).
Neilstown resident and People Before Profit TD Gino Kenny, was “disappointed” with the move.
Deputy Kenny said: “While there may be differences between various areas of Clondalkin it has always felt like one community. Growing up in North Clondalkin I always felt part of that community and it is sad to see that division being created by changing the boundaries.”
Independent Councillor Francis Timmons labelled the move a “clear and blatant attempt at gerrymandering.”
“I think it is regrettable and will only further divide Clondalkin,” said Cllr Timmons.
“The local elections are in 2019, a lot of smaller candidates have less time to engage a new voter base.”
People Before Profit Cllr Madeleine Johansson called the reduction of seats in local electoral areas (LEA’s) a “cynical move to reduce seats for smaller parties”.
“Particularly those on the left – it’s an attempt to squeeze out radical voices from the county councils,” she said.
The Boundary Committee’s term of reference require the number of members in each LEA in the country to be no less than five and no more than seven seats.
This meant a change to the current eight seat wards of Clondalkin and Lucan.
Under the new proposals, Clondalkin (including Newcastle, Rathcoole and Saggart) will be a seven-seater.
South Dublin County Mayor Paul Gogarty expressed concern that smaller LEA sizes would suit mainstream parties more so than independents.
