Local and European election dates are set

LIMERICK, and the rest of Ireland, are to vote in the local and European elections on Friday, May 23, it was announced this week.

Local Government Minister Phil Hogan confirmed the date of the elections in the Dail this Wednesday.

It had been widely expected Ireland would to the polls on this weekend in May, following a directive from the European Union.

For the first time, people in Limerick will be voting for councillors in the single amalagamated local authority.

Limerick City and County Council will have six wards, with 21 councillors to be returned in the urban area and a further 19 in rural wards.

The areas up for contest are City North, City East, City West, Cappamore/Kilmallock, Newcastle West, and Adare/Rathkeale.

Limerick people will vote in the Ireland South European constituency.