Constituency Review Submission from Anne and Des O’Neill
Anne and Des O’Neill
Submission ID: S383
Date
09/05/2023
Constituency
Kildare North
To whom it concerns,
Excluding the Mullacash, Killashee and our village of Two Mile House from voting in the Kildare North constituency causes a disconnect between these areas and the very close neighbouring town of Naas. The urban outskirts of Naas town have at this stage already reached the Killashee townland and so close to Mullacash therefore with respect, it makes more sense that we have to vote in the Kildare North constituency. Moreover in the past we voted in Two Mile House Village National School but in the last election some people who wished to vote to travel approximately 7.5km to a voting centre located on the
far side of Ballymore Eustace. Separating and excluding these said townlands from voting in Naas (Kildare North) fails to serve the most effective operation of and participation in the democratic process. Making the proposed change should increase the total poll. The current configuration causes unnecessary confusion for the local electorate and this confusion even extends to candidates from Kildare North who on occasions have reportedly canvassed these neighbourhoods assuming that it was part of the Kildare
North constituency. It is understandable for candidates or some of the local electorate to think
(momentarily) same due to the very close proximity to Naas. I am appealing to the Commission to end this confusion and dichotomy by ensuring especially Mullacash, Killashee but also Punchestown, Swordlestown and our local village of Two Mile House, are joined up to Kildare North. It is interesting to note that the current configuration of splitting this Two Mile House area from the Kildare North constituency also causes a split in the local parish which is known as Naas\Two Mile House\Sallins. Also there are very long established school, hospital , sporting, administrative, cultural and strong socio-economic links with Naas.
Signed,
Anne and Des O’Neill