Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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246. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if there will be a redrawing of local electoral area boundaries in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36693/25]

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Section 23 of the Local Government Act 2001 empowers the Minister to divide a local authority area into local electoral areas and to amend those areas. However, in advance of deciding to make an order under section 23 of the 2001 Act, the Minister must, in accordance with section 32(2) of the Local Government Act 1991, request An Coimisiún Toghcháin to prepare a report having regard to such matters as may be specified by the Minister.

Before making a request to An Coimisiún, section 61 of the Electoral Reform Act 2022 provides that the Minister shall lay a draft of the request before each House of the Oireachtas for approval by resolution by each House. Following the completion of a review, the Minister must publish the report of An Coimisiún and must have regard to the report in deciding whether to make an order in relation to any amendment to local electoral area boundaries.

The current configuration of local electoral areas has applied since the 2019 local elections and followed a review of local electoral area boundaries conducted in two parts, both published in 2018. I will consider the need for future boundary reviews in advance of the 2029 local elections.

The Programme for Government commits to the establishment of a ‘Local Democracy Taskforce’ with the local government sector to finalise a programme for the reform and strengthening of local government. The Taskforce will bring forward proposals which the Government will consider on matters relating to the structure, finance, functions and governance and accountability of local government.

The Taskforce has been established and I, together with my colleague, Minister of State for Local Government and Planning, John Cummins TD, addressed the members of the Taskforce at its first meeting on 26 June 2025. I look forward to receiving and considering the recommendations of the Taskforce in due course.