Nenagh TD describes boundary changes to Tipperary North constituency as 'baffling'

Tipperary TD Alan Kelly has welcomed the return of the Newport area to the Tipperary North Dáil constituency under the new boundary changes.

However, he described the Boundary Commission's decision to take in part of north west Kilkenny as "baffling".

‘I’m delighted that Birdhill, Kilcomenty and Newport has returned to the constituency of Tipperary. Cllr Fiona Bonfield and myself made a submission to the Commission arguing for this to happen, so it is very pleasing that they have listened to us. Thanks to everyone who supported us on this and to those that signed our petition," he said.

The Labour TD said that both of them been working hard for these areas all the time despite the fact that the people living there couldn’t vote for hi in a general election.

"They wanted to be back in the Tipperary constituency and it makes sense that this realignment took place.  Fiona being from Newport means we always did a huge amount of work in those areas and will continue to do so into the future," he said.

"The decision to bring in electoral areas of Baunmore, Galmoy, Glashare, Urlingford, Johnstown, Lisdowney, Balleen, Clomantagh, Tubbridbrittain, Freshford, Rathealy, Ballybeagh and Tullaroan into the Tipperary constituency is a baffling decision. I’ve been in touch with people from the area and they are very upset by this," said Deputy Kelly.

He said that they were "a proud people and this was very difficult for them to take".

Deputy Kelly pointed out that all their services are based out of Kilkenny and now they had to vote in Tipperary.

"It makes no sense and for Tipperary TDs it means having to work with Kilkenny County Council, south east HSE and a range of new people across a wide range of services.

"It will be a challenge and one I’ll embrace but I can absolutely relate to the people from the area when they say they have been treated badly by this move," he said.