Fine Gael TD for Dublin North Alan Farrell has welcomed the report of the Boundary Commission which will see the reunification of Swords and Portmarnock with Dublin North, which will now be called Dublin Fingal.
“Earlier this year I called on the Chairperson of the Boundary Commission to use the opportunity of the boundary review to reunite the town of Swords and Portmarnock within the constituency of Dublin North.
“I am pleased that the Commission has taken account the submissions of hundreds of residents in both Swords and Portmarnock whose wishes were to have the constituency reunited.
“Portmarnock has always had a strong association to Malahide due to its proximity to the village, and I believe this is an appropriate move. As a former council representative for the Malahide/Portmarnock Ward from 2004 until 2011, I have a great affinity to Portmarnock and its people and I am very pleased that it will now be returned to the constituency of which I represent.
Welcoming the reunification of Swords, Deputy Farrell said “I have been aware for some time that many residents in Swords have felt disenfranchised from the Dublin West constituency, while also being detached from the Dublin North Constituency which housed their schools, parishes, community projects and local businesses.
“It is my opinion that this review has brought about the optimal conclusion for all areas of Dublin Fingal, and I look forward to representing all residents of Swords, Portmarnock and its surrounding areas over the coming years.”
“It is also fair to say that the additional seat which is to be allocated to the new constituency structure is a welcome move considering the ongoing growth of the North County over the last number of years, as borne out in the recent census.
“The recommendations of the Constituency Commission will proceed subject to official Government approval and the necessary legislative changes that will follow in the Autumn.”
ENDS