Tipperary TD can 'empathise' with voters put in his constituency after boundary changes

Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has said that he is looking forward to meeting the voters from the Kilkenny areas added to the Tipperary North Dáil constituency under the Boundary Commission changes announced last week.

Thirteen electoral areas from around Urlingford, Freshford and Johnstown will go towards restoring Tipperary as a three-seat constituency.

Deputy Lowry said that the restored constituency of Tipperary North will welcome the return of Birdhill, Kilcomenty and Newport districts, which in the last Election formed part of the Limerick City constituency.

While returning Tipperary to its long-held North and South configuration had been broadly welcomed, the composition of Tipperary North was receiving a shocked reaction from people in the new areas that will be added to the constituency, he said.

"I empathise with the people of Kilkenny," said the Independent TD. "They are feeling the same sense of apprehension as we felt when parts of Tipperary North were separated prior to the last election. Many of those that I have spoken with are in total disbelief at this decision."

Deputy Lowry described Kilkenny as a "strong, proud and united county" and said that taking a section of the county away createed a sense of separation for those impacted by the decision.

"They feel disenfranchised, just as the people of Birdhill, Kilcomenty and Newport did prior to the last election. Feelings that we are familiar with in north Tipperary," said Deputy Lowry.

He said that those he had spoken to were amazed at the Electoral Commission's decision.

"While the logistics of the decision are clear, the realities moving forward are matters where reassurance is required and I look forward to meeting them and hearing their views firsthand," said the Thurles TD.