Boundaries public inquiry

The joining of the two councils, which will take place in 2015, has led to concerns from local people and politicians as the council boundaries are set to change.

As well as expanding out as far as Dundonald, the new council will lose areas previously included within Lisburn City Council.

There has been particular upset over the decision to move Dunmurry village from Lisburn City Council and into the new Belfast City Council.

The Boundaries Commissioner has decided to hold nine public inquiries into the boundary changes across Northern Ireland, including one in the Ramada Hotel at Shaw’s Bridge next month to discuss the changes to Lisburn and Castlereagh.

The one-day inquiries will be presided over by Assistant Commissioners and will provide an opportunity for the public to discuss the various objections that were received during the recent consultation period.

Objections must relate to the proposed grouping of wards and the naming of the electoral areas only and each inquiry corresponds to the new local government district concerned.

Commenting on the importance of the inquiries the Commissioner, Dick Mackenzie, said: “Following the consultation period and analysis of the objections received, I have decided that it is appropriate to conduct nine out of a possible 11 public inquiries.

“The inquiries are a vital part of the process leading to the final shape of the electoral areas which will be used for the election of councillors to the new local government districts.

“The Assistant Commissioners will provide an independent view on the objections to my recommendations. I would encourage all those who have made objections or who have a comment on those objections, to attend the relevant inquiry and present their opinions.”

The public inquiry will be held on Monday September 9. There will be two sessions - the first from 10am until 12.30pm and the second from 1.30pm until 5pm.

Anyone wishing to make a presentation at an inquiry should arrive at 9.30am for registration, in order to arrange a timetable of speakers.

The written representations received about the provisional recommendations can be viewed on the Commissioner’s website at www.deac-ni.org.