Rising population may increase seats in Dáil by 19 after next general election

At present, there are 39 Dáil constituencies and the increase in numbers will force a number of boundary redraws, particularly in urban areas where population growth has been more acute in recent years. File photo

The Dáil will increase by at least nine TDs and possibly as many as 19 TDs after the next General Election because of our rising population.

Electoral Reform Bill amendments approved by the Cabinet will allow for the number of TDs to increase to at least 169 and not more than 179, up from the current number of 160.