Northern Ireland

Boundary Commission publishes responses to proposals for updating Westminster and Stormont constituencies ahead of fresh consultation

The Boundary Commission is proposing changes to Westminster and Stormont constituencies. Picture by Mal McCann
The Boundary Commission is proposing changes to Westminster and Stormont constituencies. Picture by Mal McCann The Boundary Commission is proposing changes to Westminster and Stormont constituencies. Picture by Mal McCann

THE BOUNDARY Commission has published written responses to its proposals for updating the constituencies used for Westminster and Stormont elections.

The shake-up of parliamentary boundaries, the first since 2008, was announced in October and followed by an initial eight-week public consultation.

It could potentially see the two constituencies redrawn and renamed, while others will lose and gain entire wards.

It is proposed that a new constituency of South Belfast and Mid Down will encompass swathes of what is currently Strangford, while the latter's boundaries will be extended to include Downpatrick, under the name Strangford and Quoile.

The commission has published the written representations it received during its initial consultation, ahead of the second six-week consultation period beginning on February 9.

The secondary consultation period will include a number of public hearings, at which oral representations can be made about any of the commission’s initial proposals, while counter-proposals can be presented or commented on.

The responses and information about the second consultation can be found at www.boundarycommission.org.uk