Wicklow-Wexford Election 2024: Who are the candidates and who could make gains? Everything you need to know before voting

New constituency with no current TDs (three seats) Five candidates have thrown their hat in the ring with the hopes of nabbing a seat in the new Wicklow-Wexford constituency.

The new south Wicklow-north Wexford three-seat constituency was formed following the Electoral Commission Review Report of 2023. The Commission's review in 2023 resulted in both Wicklow and Wexford constituencies moving to four-seat constituencies and the creation of a new Wicklow-Wexford three-seat constituency. These changes are designed to bring the Dáil in line with the constitutional requirement to have one TD for every 30,000 people.

With a population of over 85,000, this new constituency currently has no sitting TDs and the upcoming election will allow voters to elect representatives from the area.

Who could make gains here? Overtly aware that communities across south Wicklow have been crying out for a representative in the Dáil, Fianna Fáil Councillor Pat Kennedy and Independent Councillor Peir Leonard will hope their election can help expedite long-desired and sorely needed infrastructure improvements in the region.

Further incentivised by the prospect of becoming Arklow's first TD, Councillors Kennedy and Leonard will compete for the lion's share of the Wicklow vote, with the former holding greater sway in Rathdrum, Aughrim and rural areas, and the latter boasting a loyal voter base in her hometown of Arklow.

Despite being the outstanding candidates in the Arklow Electoral Area at this year's local elections, neither councillor has a strong presence in Wexford, while Fianna Fáil candidate Senator Malcolm Byrne and Fine Gael's Brian Brennan have connections on both sides of the border.

Arklow with a population of over 14,000 has never returned a Dáil Deputy while Gorey hasn't had a TD since both Michael D'Arcy of Fine Gael and Malcolm Byrne of Fianna Fail were knocked out during the final two counts of the General Election in 2020.

Fianna Fáil's decision to select Senator Malcolm Byrne and Cllr Pat Kennedy for this General Election, has added pressure to both candidates and they are seeking to maximise their number one vote in their respective areas. Gorey Councillor Fionntáin Ó Súilleabháin who has served on the Gorey Kilmuckridge District Council for the last 10 years was selected by Sinn Féin to contest the election.

Any boundary changes to note? The brand new constituency has resulted from the 2023 Electoral Commission's proposal for Wexford and Wicklow to both lose a TD (reducing from five to four) and the creation of the new three-seater Wicklow-Wexford constituency.

This new constituency takes in 31 electoral districts in south Wicklow with a population of 35,708 along with 41 electoral districts from north Wexford and 59,743 voters. The constituency runs from just south of Wicklow town to just south of Kilmuckridge, and includes Rathdrum, Aughrim and Tinahely in Co Wicklow, along with Bunclody, Courtown and most of Co Wexford north of Enniscorthy, although Enniscorthy town remains in the Wexford constituency.

For the first time, the count centre for south Wicklow and north Wexford will take up residence in Kilanerin Community Centre.

What are the issues under the spotlight? Along with big-ticket items like the Arklow to Shillelagh Greenway and Aughrim Wastewater Treatment Plant, the completion of Arklow's Wastewater Treatment Plant will trigger a wave of residential development, adding increased stress on already overburdened transport, healthcare, education and childcare services

Gorey is one of the fastest growing towns in Ireland which gives rise to challenges in the provision of school places and healthcare as well as the increased demand for housing.

Malcolm Byrne, Fianna Fáil

Brian Brennan, Fine Gael

Fionntáin Ó Súilleabháin, Sinn Féin

Councillor Pat Kennedy, Fianna Fáil

Councillor Peir Leonard, Independent

Ann Walsh, Green Party

Further candidates may be added to the ballot