The Boundary Commission for Northern Ireland (BCNI) has published revised proposals for Parliamentary constituencies in Northern Ireland and commenced the third consultation stage of the 2023 Boundary Review.

In line with the legislation, the third consultation stage – now under way – is running for four weeks, and will close on December 15.

Having considered the written representations received during the initial and secondary consultation stages, and the records of the public hearings, the Commission has revised its initial proposals.

Written representations with respect to the revised proposals can be made during the currently running third consultation stage, as well as written representations with respect to representations made during the public hearings.

In Fermanagh and South Tyrone, the revised proposals from the commission would see the electorate increase from 72,495 to 74,463 persons. There is no proposed name change to the constituency.

Commissioners were grateful for the views and insights submitted in representations relating to this constituency, including those which more fully informed their understanding of the factors of local ties and inconvenience.

Having conducted the balancing exercise, the commissioners therefore decided to revise the initial proposals in respect of the constituency of Fermanagh and South Tyrone.

In particular, the judgement to be made in this locality must address the need to meet the statutory electorate range in all constituencies, in the context of special geographical considerations (such as constituency size and shape, and the location of built-up areas).

In line with their stated approach, the commissioners were also mindful of undue disruption to existing constituency boundaries.

Having taken into consideration representations received, the commissioners determined that the most satisfactory resolution of the totality of issues arising in each constituency is found by making revisions to the initial proposals, as follows.

• The wards of Ballysaggart, Killymeal, Moygashel and Mullaghmore are transferred from Mid Ulster to Fermanagh & South Tyrone.

• The split ward of Castlecaulfield, which was aligned within Fermanagh & South Tyrone, is left split between Mid Ulster and Fermanagh & South Tyrone.

• The split ward of Loughgall, which was aligned within Fermanagh & South Tyrone, is split between Mid Ulster and Upper Bann.

Written representations must be received by the Commission by December 15 and can be submitted using the online portal, by email, or by post.

These representations will be published online after the end of the third consultation stage. The Commission must submit its final recommendations to the Speaker of the House of Commons by July 1, 2023.

For further information, see https://www.boundarycommission.org.uk/.