Damien was joined by Law lecturer at SETU, Dr Jennifer Kavanagh, to discuss whether Waterford should get a fifth TD due to its significantly increased population.

The population of Waterford City and County was recorded as 127,085 on April 3rd 2022, according to preliminary census figures.

This is an increase of 10,909, or 9.4 percent, since 2016. The figures mark the highest population growth in Munster, and the fourth highest in the country. More here. 

Jennifer Kavanagh explained on Déise Today that under the constitution, there should be one TD for no more than 30,000 people. The minimum number of TDs in any constituency is three.

So now that Waterford's population stands at over 127,000, should it have a fifth TD, going by the rules set out in the Constitution?

Jennifer explained that it will be a decision for the Electoral Commission and will have to be signed off by the President. However, she outlines that it might not be as clear cut as it appears. She pointed out that while currently the constituency boundary in Waterford also the county boundary, that could potentially change.

"For example with the Leitrim constituency, you have Sligo in there, and a little bit of Donegal thrown in as well, so it won't just be a case of looking at a county and saying 'right, that's now a five seater,' it will be a case of where do we actually divvy up all these seats?" she added.

Damien and Jennifer also fleshed out when there's a necessity for a referendum.

You can listen to their full conversation, through the link in this podcast.

And for all Déise podcasts, click here.