FULL HOUSE

Electoral Commission says population growth means 14 more TDs are required

- FERGHAL BLANEY

VOTERS will elect 14 more TDs to the next Dail bringing representation in Leinster House to its highest level with 174 deputies. 

The recommendations were made by the Electoral Commission and the Constituency Review 2023 is its first formal report.

The Constitution states we must have one TD for every 20,000 to 30,000 people.

And with the population growth – 5.15 million at the last census – the rules dictate there must be more representation.

Speaking at the launch of the report, Electoral Commission chairwoman Justice Marie Baker said the enlarged Dail would reflect the changing country it serves.

She added: “Our recommendation for 174 TDs across 43 constituencies is the product of detailed analysis.