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Local government in Northern Ireland

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Local government in Northern Ireland is divided among 11 single-tier districts known as 'Local Government Districts' (abbreviated LGDs) and formerly known as district council areas (DCAs).[1] Councils in Northern Ireland do not carry out the same range of functions as those in the rest of the United Kingdom; for example they have no responsibility for education, road-building or housing (although they do nominate members to the advisory Northern Ireland Housing Council). Their functions include planning, waste and recycling services, leisure and community services, building control and local economic and cultural development. The collection of rates is handled centrally by the Land and Property Services agency of the Northern Ireland Executive.

Local Government Districts (2015-present)

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Local Government Districts (2012)

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Local government districts of Northern Ireland. Each district in this image is numbered, with the numbers corresponding to those in the table below.

The 11 districts first had their boundaries determined in 2012. Elections were held to the new councils in 2014, and they assumed the powers of the previous councils in 2015.[1] Basic geographical statistics are shown below. Previously (between 1972 and 2015) the country was divided into 26 smaller districts.

Council and district Type No. of Wards/Cllrs District Electoral Areas Population of largest settlement (2021)[2] Population of district (2022)[3] Density (/km2) Density (/mi2) Area (km2) Area (mi2) No. on map
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council (district) District, borough 40 7 - Airport, Antrim, Ballyclare, Dunsilly, Glengormley Urban, Macedon, Three Mile Water 67,112 - Metropolitan Newtownabbey 146,148 256 660 571 220 3
Ards and North Down Borough Council (district) District, borough 40 7 - Ards Peninsula, Comber, Bangor Central, Bangor East and Donaghadee, Bangor West, Holywood and Clandeboye 64,122 - Bangor 164,223 358 930 458 177 2
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (district) District, city,borough 41 7 - Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Cusher, Lagan River, Lurgan, Portadown 72,721 - Craigavon Urban Area including Aghacommon 220,271 165 430 1,332 514 6
Belfast City Council District, city (1888) 60 10 - Balmoral, Botanic, Black Mountain, Castle, Collin, Court, Lisnasharragh, Oldpark, Ormiston, Titanic 291,386 - Belfast City 348,005 2,617 6,780 133 51 1
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (district) District, borough 40 7 - Bann, Ballymoney, Benbradagh, Coleraine, Causeway, Limavady, The Glens 24,560 - Coleraine 141,316 71 180 1,980 760 8
Derry City and Strabane District Council (district) District, city 40 7 - Ballyarnett, Derg, Faughan, Foyleside, Sperrin, The Moor, Waterside 84,884 - Derry City 150,836 122 320 1,237 478 10
Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (district) District 40 7 - Enniskillen, Erne East, Erne North, Erne West, Mid Tyrone, Omagh, West Tyrone 20,353 - Omagh Town 116,994 41 110 2,836 1,095 11
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (district) District, city (2002) 40 7 - Downshire East, Downshire West, Killultagh, Lisburn North, Lisburn South, Castlereagh East, Castlereagh South 51,447 - Lisburn City 149,915 298 770 504 195 4
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (district) District, borough 40 7 - Ballymena, Bannside, Braid, Carrick Castle, Coast Road, Knockagh, Larne Lough 31,308 - Ballymena 139,200 133 340 1,045 403 7
Mid Ulster District Council (district) District 40 7 - Carntogher, Clogher Valley, Cookstown, Dungannon, Magherafelt, Moyola, Torrent 16,361 - Dungannon 151,001 83 210 1,823 704 9
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (district) District 41 7 - Crotlieve, Downpatrick, Newry, Rowallane, Slieve Croob, Slieve Gullion 28,026 - Newry 182,634 112 290 1,628 629 5
Total 4 'district councils' (1 with city), 5 'borough councils' (1 with city), 2 'city councils' 462 wards 80 District Electoral Areas 291,386 - Belfast City 1,910,543 141 366 13,547 5,226

District Electoral Areas (2012)

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Each of the 11 councils is divided into 7 District Electoral Areas (DEAs), with the exception of Belfast, which has 10 DEAs. Each DEA, in turn, is made up of 5, 6 or 7 wards, with the number of councillors for each DEA equal to the number of wards.

There are 80 DEAs in Northern Ireland in total, and the current DEA boundaries were finalised in 2012, and first used in the 2014 election, with the new councils coming into operation in May 2015. Prior to this, the 1993 election was the last time local government boundaries had been redrawn - between 1993 and 2011, there were 102 DEAs across the old 26 councils, with each council having between 3 and 9 DEAs each.[4]

By definition, DEAs nest exactly within the 11 Local Government Districts. However, they do not nest within the parliamentary constituencies - for example, the DEAs of Newry, Slieve Gullion and Cusher all fall entirely within the Newry and Armagh constituency, but the Armagh DEA does not - one of its wards, Blackwatertown, falls within the Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency instead. This means there is no exact comparison of local government election results with Assembly/Westminster results.

The following combinations of 2012 DEAs each have an area which matches exactly with some combination of 1993 DEAs, allowing direct comparisons of election results in the combined areas from before and after 2012.

However, comparisons are possible between combinations of 2012 DEAs, and combinations of DEAs/LGDs from before 2014. For example, the total election results in the Limavady and Benbradagh DEAs from 2014 can be compared with the results of the whole Limavady borough from 2011, as both cover the same area. Similar comparisons are as follows:

Combinations of 2012 DEAs with exactly the same area as combinations of 1993 DEAs/LGDs
Combination of 2012 DEAs Combination of 1993 DEAs/LGDs
Ballyarnett, Foyleside and The Moor DEAs exactly match the area of Cityside, Northland and Shantallow DEAs
Limavady and Benbradagh DEAs exactly match the area of Limavady LGD
Enniskillen and Erne North DEAs exactly match the area of Enniskillen and Erne North DEAs
Erne West DEA exactly matches the area of Erne West DEA
Derg, Faughan, Sperrin and Waterside DEAs exactly match the area of Strabane LGD, Rural and Waterside DEAs
Bann, Ballymoney, Causeway, Coleraine, The Glens DEAs exactly match the area of Ballymoney, Coleraine and Moyle LGDs
the remaining DEAs of Northern Ireland exactly match the area of the remaining DEAs/LGDs of Northern Ireland

Note that Erne West is the only DEA in Northern Ireland whose boundaries were completely unchanged between 1993 and 2012.

The 80 DEAs are the most granular unit of elected representation, thus providing a more localised indicator of voting preferences than the results in the larger parliamentary constituencies.

Under STV, each DEA is a multi-member district, electing 5, 6 or 7 councillors, with all councillors representing the entire DEA. Wards do not have elected representation in their own right, and no election results at ward level are officially recorded or published, besides turnout levels at individual polling stations.

The below map shows each DEA numbered, with the 2012 Local Government Districts in bold. The inset map shows DEAs in the districts of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ards and North Down, Belfast, and Lisburn and Castlereagh.

No on map District Electoral Area (2012) Local Government District (2012) No. of Wards/Cllrs Wards Population of largest settlement DEA population (2022)[5] Density (/km2)[6] Density (/mi2) Area (km2) Area (mi2)
1 Airport Antrim and Newtownabbey 5 Aldergrove, Clady, Crumlin, Mallusk, Templepatrick 5,340 - Crumlin 22,029 107.06 277.29 205.76 79.44
2 Antrim Antrim and Newtownabbey 6 Antrim Centre, Fountain Hill, Greystone, Springfarm, Steeple, Stiles 25,464 - Antrim 23,950 1,224.12 3,170.47 19.57 7.55
3 Ards Peninsula Ards and North Down 6 Ballywalter, Carrowdore, Kircubbin, Loughries, Portaferry, Portavogie 2,553 - Millisle 24,964 118.63 307.26 210.43 81.25
4 Armagh Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 6 Blackwatertown, Cathedral, Demesne, Keady, Navan, The Mall 16,438 - Armagh 32,405 116.88 302.71 277.26 107.05
5 Ballyarnett Derry and Strabane 6 Carn Hill, Culmore, Galliagh, Shantallow, Shantallow East, Skeoge Part of Derry City 25,252 1,303.60 3,376.30 19.37 7.48
6 Ballyclare Antrim and Newtownabbey 5 Ballyclare East, Ballyclare West, Ballynure, Ballyrobert, Doagh 10,848 - Ballyclare 19,069 244.58 633.45 77.97 30.10
7 Ballymena Mid and East Antrim 7 Academy, Ardeevin, Ballykeel, Braidwater, Castle Demesne, Fair Green, Park 31,308 - Ballymena 24,295 1,827.30 4,732.68 13.30 5.13
8 Ballymoney Causeway Coast and Glens 7 Ballymoney East, Ballymoney North, Ballymoney South, Clogh Mills, Dunloy, Rasharkin, Route 10,903 - Ballymoney 24,519 104.47 270.57 234.70 90.62
9 Balmoral Belfast 5 Belvoir, Finaghy, Malone, Musgrave, Upper Malone Part of Belfast City and Metropolitan Castlereagh 24,491 1,516.73 3,928.32 16.15 6.23
10 Banbridge Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 7 Banbridge East, Banbridge North, Banbridge South, Banbridge West, Gilford, Loughbrickland, Rathfriland 17,248 - Banbridge 34,940 151.17 391.53 231.13 89.24
11 Bangor Central Ards and North Down 6 Ballygrainey, Ballyholme, Bloomfield, Broadway, Castle, Harbour Part of Bangor 26,637 1,879.50 4,867.88 14.17 5.47
12 Bangor East and Donaghadee Ards and North Down 6 Ballycrochan, Ballymagee, Donaghadee, Groomsport, Silverbirch, Warren Part of Bangor 22,850 701.73 1,817.48 32.56 12.57
13 Bangor West Ards and North Down 5 Bryansburn, Kilcooley, Rathgael, Rathmore, Silverstream Part of Bangor 19,517 3,485.05 9,026.25 5.60 216
14 Bann Causeway Coast and Glens 5 Aghadowey, Castlerock, Garvagh, Kilrea, Macosquin 1,676 - Kilrea 17,535 48.53 125.70 361.31 139.50
15 Bannside Mid and East Antrim 6 Ahoghill, Cullybackey, Galgorm, Grange, Maine, Portglenone 3,529 - Ahoghill 19,842 110.96 287.39 178.82 69.04
16 Benbradagh Causeway Coast and Glens 5 Altahullion, Ballykelly, Dungiven, Feeny, Greysteel 3,346 - Dungiven 17,818 45.41 117.61 392.40 151.50
17 Black Mountain Belfast 7 Andersonstown, Ballymurphy, Beechmount, Collin Glen, Falls Park, Shaw's Road, Turf Lodge Part of Belfast City 35,880 1,935.76 5,013.58 18.54 7.16
18 Botanic Belfast 5 Blackstaff, Central, Ormeau, Stranmillis, Windsor Part of Belfast City 49,727 4,653.21 12,051.76 10.69 4.13
19 Braid Mid and East Antrim 7 Ballee and Harryville, Broughshane, Glenravel, Glenwhirry, Kells, Kirkinriola, Slemish Part of Ballymena 23,826 49.32 127.74 483.07 186.51
20 Carntogher Mid Ulster 5 Lower Glenshane, Maghera, Swatragh, Tamlaght O'Crilly, Valley 4,222 - Maghera 17,167 65.61 169.94 261.64 101.02
21 Carrick Castle Mid and East Antrim 5 Boneybefore, Castle, Kilroot, Love Lane, Victoria Part of Carrickfergus 18,430 759.56 1,967.26 24.26 9.37
22 Castle Belfast 6 Bellevue, Cavehill, Chichester Park, Duncairn, Fortwilliam, Innisfayle Part of Belfast City 33,677 1,739.48 4,505.23 19.36 7.48
23 Castlereagh East Lisburn and Castlereagh 6 Ballyhanwood, Carrowreagh, Dundonald, Enler, Graham's Bridge, Moneyreagh Dundonald (part of Metropolitan Castlereagh) 21,899 460.07 1,191.57 47.60 18.38
24 Castlereagh South Lisburn and Castlereagh 7 Beechill, Cairnshill, Carryduff East, Carryduff West, Galwally, Knockbracken, Newtownbreda Newtownbreda (part of Metropolitan Castlereagh) 23,488 905.99 2,346.52 25.93 10.01
25 Causeway Causeway Coast and Glens 7 Atlantic, Dervock, Dundooan, Giant's Causeway, Hopefield, Portrush and Dunluce, Portstewart 7,698 - Portstewart 24,542 95.15 246.43 257.93 99.59
26 Clogher Valley Mid Ulster 6 Augher and Clogher, Aughnacloy, Ballygawley, Caledon, Castlecaulfield, Fivemiletown 1,341 - Fivemiletown 21,997 40.38 104.58 544.76 210.33
27 Coast Road Mid and East Antrim 5 Cairncastle, Carnlough and Glenarm, Craigyhill, Gardenmore, The Maidens Part of Larne 17,005 115.19 298.33 147.63 57.00
28 Coleraine Causeway Coast and Glens 6 Churchland, Mountsandel, Quarry, University, Waterside, Windy Hall 24,560 - Coleraine 23,625 1,675.66 4,339.95 14.10 5.44
29 Collin Belfast 6 Dunmurry, Ladybrook, Lagmore, Poleglass, Stewartstown, Twinbrook Part of Metropolitan Lisburn and Belfast City 33,909 3,198.18 8,283.24 10.60 4.09
30 Comber Ards and North Down 5 Ballygowan, Comber North, Comber South, Comber West, Killinchy 9,512 - Comber 19,487 176.04 455.94 110.70 42.74
31 Cookstown Mid Ulster 7 Coagh, Cookstown East, Cookstown South, Cookstown West, Loughry, Oaklands, Pomeroy 12,549 - Cookstown 24,617 92.06 238.43 267.41 103.25
32 Court Belfast 6 Ballygomartin, Clonard, Falls, Forth River, Shankill, Woodvale Part of Belfast City 33,475 3,063.12 7,933.44 10.93 4.22
33 Craigavon Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5 Bleary, Brownlow, Craigavon Centre, Derrytrasna, Kernan Craigavon (part of Craigavon Urban Area) 29,188 404.67 1,048.09 72.13 27.85
34 Crotlieve Newry, Mourne and Down 6 Burren, Derryleckagh, Hilltown, Mayobridge, Rostrevor, Warrenpoint 8,821 - Warrenpoint 28,668 117.58 304.53 243.82 94.14
35 Cusher Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5 Hamiltonsbawn, Markethill, Richhill, Seagahan, Tandragee 3,543 - Tandragee 26,195 80.50 208.48 325.42 125.65
36 Derg Derry and Strabane 5 Castlederg, Finn, Glenderg, Newtownstewart, Sion Mills 2,963 - Castlederg 17,809 45.79 118.58 388.96 150.18
37 Downpatrick Newry, Mourne and Down 5 Cathedral, Knocknashinna, Lecale, Quoile, Strangford 11,541 - Downpatrick 21,916 119.99 310.78 182.64 70.52
38 Downshire East Lisburn and Castlereagh 5 Ballymacbrennan, Dromara, Drumbo, Hillhall, Ravernet Part of Lisburn City 16,746 111.01 287.52 150.85 58.24
39 Downshire West Lisburn and Castlereagh 5 Blaris, Hillsborough, Lagan, Maze, Moira 4,879 - Moira 17,190 174.66 452.36 98.42 38.00
40 Dungannon Mid Ulster 6 Ballysaggart, Killyman, Killymeal, Moy, Moygashel, Mullaghmore 16,361 - Dungannon 25,640 272.47 705.71 94.10 36.33
41 Dunsilly Antrim and Newtownabbey 5 Cranfield, Parkgate, Randalstown, Shilvodan, Toome 5,156 - Randalstown 17,997 77.79 201.46 231.37 89.33
42 Enniskillen Fermanagh and Omagh 6 Castlecoole, Erne, Lisbellaw, Lisnarrick, Portora, Rossorry 14,120 - Enniskillen 18,451 144.43 374.08 127.75 49.32
43 Erne East Fermanagh and Omagh 6 Brookeborough, Donagh, Lisnaskea, Maguiresbridge, Newtownbutler, Rosslea 3,006 - Lisnaskea 15,944 32.46 84.07 491.21 189.66
44 Erne North Fermanagh and Omagh 5 Ballinamallard, Belleek and Boa, Ederney and Kesh, Irvinestown, Tempo 2,320 - Irvinestown 15,083 38.82 100.56 388.49 150.00
45 Erne West Fermanagh and Omagh 5 Belcoo and Garrison, Boho, Cleenish and Letterbreen, Derrygonnelly, Derrylin, Florence Court and Kinawley 714 - Bellanaleck 14,661 20.20 52.33 725.63 280.17
46 Faughan Derry and Strabane 5 Claudy, Eglinton, Enagh, New Buildings, Slievekirk 3,550 - Eglinton 19,234 87.99 227.90 218.59 84.40
47 Foyleside Derry and Strabane 5 Ballymagroarty, Foyle Springs, Madam's Bank, Northland, Springtown Part of Derry City 17,568 1,562.52 4,046.90 11.24 4.34
48 Glengormley Urban Antrim and Newtownabbey 7 Ballyhenry, Burnthill, Carnmoney, Collinbridge, Glebe, Glengormley, Hightown Part of Metropolitan Newtownabbey 21,639 2,345.03 6,073.60 9.23 3.56
49 Holywood and Clandeboye Ards and North Down 5 Clandeboye, Cultra, Helen's Bay, Holywood, Loughview 10,735 - Holywood 20,809 414.04 1,072.36 50.26 19.40
50 Killultagh Lisburn and Castlereagh 5 Ballinderry, Glenavy, Maghaberry, Stonyford, White Mountain 2,943 - Maghaberry 22,013 136.53 353.60 161.23 62.25
51 Knockagh Mid and East Antrim 5 Burleigh Hill, Gortalee, Greenisland, Sunnylands, Woodburn Part of Carrickfergus 17,272 295.29 764.79 58.49 22.58
52 Lagan River Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5 Donaghcloney, Dromore, Gransha, Quilly, Waringstown 6,492 - Dromore 24,804 132.65 343.57 186.99 72.20
53 Larne Lough Mid and East Antrim 5 Ballycarry and Glynn, Curran and Inver, Islandmagee, Kilwaughter, Whitehead South Part of Larne 18,324 127.91 331.29 143.25 55.31
54 Limavady Causeway Coast and Glens 5 Coolessan, Drumsurn, Greystone, Magilligan, Roeside 11,697 - Limavady 16,230 83.85 217.17 193.56 74.74
55 Lisburn North Lisburn and Castlereagh 6 Derryaghy, Harmony Hill, Hilden, Lambeg, Magheralave, Wallace Park Part of Lisburn City 23,449 1,698.38 4,398.78 13.81 5.33
56 Lisburn South Lisburn and Castlereagh 6 Ballymacash, Ballymacoss, Knockmore, Lagan Valley, Lisnagarvey, Old Warren Part of Lisburn City 24,321 2,579.98 6,682.13 9.43 3.64
57 Lisnasharragh Belfast 6 Cregagh, Hillfoot, Merok, Orangefield, Ravenhill, Rosetta Part of Belfast City and Metropolitan Castlereagh 29,170 3,521.93 9,121.75 8.28 3.20
58 Lurgan Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 7 Aghagallon, Knocknashane, Lough Road, Magheralin, Mourneview, Parklake, Shankill Lurgan (part of Craigavon Urban Area) 38,198 514.86 1,333.48 74.19 28.65
59 Macedon Antrim and Newtownabbey 6 Abbey, Carnmoney Hill, O'Neill, Rathcoole, Valley, Whitehouse Part of Metropolitan Newtownabbey 20,323 2,022.19 5,237.45 10.05 3.88
60 Magherafelt Mid Ulster 5 Coolshinny, Glebe, Lissan, The Loup, Town Parks East 9,647 - Magherafelt 19,266 93.29 241.62 206.52 79.74
61 Mid Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 6 Beragh, Drumnakilly, Gortin, Owenkillew, Sixmilecross, Termon 694 - Beragh 17,590 30.92 80.08 568.88 219.65
62 Moyola Mid Ulster 5 Ballymaguigan, Bellaghy, Castledawson, Draperstown, Tobermore 2,345 - Castledawson 18,586 78.46 203.21 236.89 91.46
63 Newry Newry, Mourne and Down 6 Abbey, Ballybot, Damolly, Drumalane, Fathom, St. Patrick's 28,026 - Newry 27,913 535.08 1,385.86 52.17 20.14
64 Newtownards Ards and North Down 7 Conway Square, Cronstown, Glen, Gregstown, Movilla, Scrabo, West Winds 29,591 - Newtownards 29,395 816.91 2,115.78 35.98 13.89
65 Oldpark Belfast 6 Ardoyne, Ballysillan, Cliftonville, Legoniel, New Lodge, Water Works Part of Belfast City 34,352 2,567.84 6,650.67 13.38 5.17
66 Omagh Fermanagh and Omagh 6 Camowen, Coolnagard, Dergmoney, Gortrush, Killyclogher, Strule 20,353 - Omagh Town 18,480 1,123.21 2,909.11 16.45 6.35
67 Ormiston Belfast 7 Belmont, Garnerville, Gilnahirk, Knock, Sandown, Shandon, Stormont Part of Belfast City and Metropolitan Castlereagh 34,615 2,120.58 5,492.26 16.32 6.30
68 Portadown Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 6 Ballybay, Corcrain, Killycomain, Loughgall, Mahon, The Birches Portadown (part of Craigavon Urban Area) 32,926 192.69 499.07 170.87 65.97
69 Rowallane Newry, Mourne and Down 5 Ballynahinch, Crossgar and Killyleagh, Derryboy, Kilmore, Saintfield 6,335 - Ballynahinch 21,240 137.05 354.96 154.98 59.84
70 Slieve Croob Newry, Mourne and Down 5 Ballydugan, Ballyward, Castlewellan, Drumaness, Dundrum 2,822 - Castlewellan 21,387 69.33 179.56 308.49 119.11
71 Slieve Gullion Newry, Mourne and Down 7 Bessbrook, Camlough, Crossmaglen, Forkhill, Mullaghbane, Newtownhamilton, Whitecross 3,004 - Bessbrook 30,744 86.21 223.28 356.62 137.69
72 Sperrin Derry and Strabane 7 Artigarvan, Ballycolman, Dunnamanagh, Glenelly Valley, Park, Strabane North, Strabane West 13,456 - Strabane 24,720 43.38 112.35 569.88 220.03
73 The Glens Causeway Coast and Glens 5 Ballycastle, Kinbane, Loughguile and Stranocum, Lurigethan, Torr Head and Rathlin 5,628 - Ballycastle 17,477 32.98 85.43 529.85 204.58
74 The Moor Derry and Strabane 5 Brandywell, City Walls, Creggan, Creggan South, Sheriff's Mountain Part of Derry City 17,128 682.41 1,767.43 25.10 9.69
75 The Mournes Newry, Mourne and Down 7 Annalong, Binnian, Donard, Kilkeel, Lisnacree, Murlough, Tollymore 8,293 - Newcastle 30,203 88.92 230.30 339.67 131.15
76 Three Mile Water Antrim and Newtownabbey 6 Ballyduff, Fairview, Jordanstown, Monkstown, Mossley, Rostulla Part of Metropolitan Newtownabbey 20,653 1,098.74 2,845.72 18.80 7.26
77 Titanic Belfast 6 Ballymacarrett, Beersbridge, Bloomfield, Connswater, Sydenham, Woodstock Part of Belfast City 36,122 2,684.05 6,951.67 13.46 5.20
78 Torrent Mid Ulster 6 Ardboe, Coalisland North, Coalisland South, Donaghmore, Stewartstown, Washing Bay 6,323 - Coalisland 23,020 105.57 273.43 218.05 84.19
79 Waterside Derry and Strabane 7 Caw, Clondermot, Drumahoe, Ebrington, Kilfennan, Lisnagelvin, Victoria Part of Derry City 29,045 1,835.16 4,753.03 15.83 6.11
80 West Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 6 Dromore, Drumquin, Fairy Water, Fintona, Newtownsaville, Trillick 1,212 - Fintona 16,603 30.46 78.89 545.09 210.46

Electoral Wards (2012)

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Electoral wards are the basic unit of Northern Ireland's political geography. Since at least 1973, every local government boundary commission has involved the drawing of ward boundaries, then the grouping of wards into DEAs, such that a DEA has one councillor for each ward it has. Likewise, parliamentary constituencies (and thus, Assembly constituencies) are always made up of combinations of electoral wards.

Electoral wards are also used in allocating funding, such as for urban regeneration programmes under the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.[7]

Electoral Ward (2012) District Electoral Area (2012) Local Government District (2012) Electoral Ward population (2021)[8] Density (/km2)[9] Area (km2)
Abbey Macedon Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,355 3,686.09 0.91
Aldergrove Airport Antrim and Newtownabbey 4,684 30.00 156.14
Antrim Centre Antrim Antrim and Newtownabbey 4,093 385.31 10.62
Ballyclare East Ballyclare Antrim and Newtownabbey 4,142 2,265.19 1.83
Ballyclare West Ballyclare Antrim and Newtownabbey 4,044 2,269.64 1.78
Ballyduff Three Mile Water Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,020 2,896.67 1.04
Ballyhenry Glengormley Urban Antrim and Newtownabbey 2,711 3,150.12 0.86
Ballynure Ballyclare Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,610 83.57 43.19
Ballyrobert Ballyclare Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,810 230.10 16.56
Burnthill Glengormley Urban Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,715 3,876.13 0.96
Carnmoney Glengormley Urban Antrim and Newtownabbey 2,607 4,264.56 0.61
Carnmoney Hill Macedon Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,305 953.94 3.46
Clady Airport Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,834 53.66 71.45
Collinbridge Glengormley Urban Antrim and Newtownabbey 2,927 675.90 4.33
Cranfield Dunsilly Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,175 54.65 58.10
Crumlin Airport Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,705 284.24 13.03
Doagh Ballyclare Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,471 237.67 14.60
Fairview Three Mile Water Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,115 5,610.43 0.56
Fountain Hill Antrim Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,465 1,975.96 1.75
Glebe Glengormley Urban Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,042 3,848.21 0.79
Glengormley Glengormley Urban Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,421 4,384.84 0.78
Greystone Antrim Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,072 3,340.97 0.92
Hightown Glengormley Urban Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,126 3,488.68 0.90
Jordanstown Three Mile Water Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,244 525.30 6.18
Mallusk Airport Antrim and Newtownabbey 6,279 368.51 17.04
Monkstown Three Mile Water Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,726 2,491.86 1.50
Mossley Three Mile Water Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,708 528.96 7.01
O'Neill Macedon Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,328 3,668.94 0.91
Parkgate Dunsilly Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,259 41.99 77.61
Randalstown Dunsilly Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,734 222.46 16.78
Rathcoole Macedon Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,377 5,111.92 0.66
Rostulla Three Mile Water Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,921 1,557.07 2.52
Shilvodan Dunsilly Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,896 68.49 56.89
Springfarm Antrim Antrim and Newtownabbey 5,543 1,190.90 4.65
Steeple Antrim Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,794 3,795.24 1.00
Stiles Antrim Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,987 875.24 4.56
Templepatrick Airport Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,521 97.49 36.12
Toome Dunsilly Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,936 46.21 85.18
Valley Macedon Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,717 1,491.86 2.49
Whitehouse Macedon Antrim and Newtownabbey 3,221 1,993.02 1.62
Aghagallon Lurgan Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,047 48.62 103.80
Ballybay Portadown Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,458 702.14 7.77
Banbridge East Banbridge Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 4,479 124.12 36.08
Banbridge North Banbridge Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 4,272 745.19 5.73
Banbridge South Banbridge Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,043 2,131.86 2.37
Banbridge West Banbridge Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,431 2,461.35 2.21
Blackwatertown Armagh Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,502 60.64 90.73
Bleary Craigavon Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 4,981 343.07 14.52
Brownlow Craigavon Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 6,626 1,705.25 3.89
Cathedral Armagh Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,119 1,123.53 4.56
Corcrain Portadown Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,455 3,394.36 1.61
Craigavon Centre Craigavon Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 6,750 565.28 11.94
Demesne Armagh Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,705 1,204.74 4.74
Derrytrasna Craigavon Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 4,981 70.37 70.79
Donaghcloney Lagan River Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 4,935 112.81 43.75
Dromore Lagan River Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 4,843 505.21 9.59
Gilford Banbridge Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 4,997 126.11 39.62
Gransha Lagan River Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,155 68.55 75.20
Hamiltonsbawn Cusher Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 4,969 70.63 70.35
Keady Armagh Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,243 73.28 71.54
Kernan Craigavon Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,894 720.59 8.18
Killycomain Portadown Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,247 2,040.57 2.57
Knocknashane Lurgan Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 4,556 2,882.07 1.58
Lough Road Lurgan Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,601 2,876.33 1.95
Loughbrickland Banbridge Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,711 64.27 88.85
Loughgall Portadown Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,484 78.56 69.81
Magheralin Lurgan Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,368 377.54 14.22
Mahon Portadown Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,172 276.34 18.72
Markethill Cusher Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,632 63.16 89.17
Mourneview Lurgan Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,495 3,146.42 1.75
Navan Armagh Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,299 52.92 100.14
Parklake Lurgan Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,648 1,965.36 2.87
Quilly Lagan River Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 4,497 96.47 46.62
Rathfriland Banbridge Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,009 89.03 56.26
Richhill Cusher Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 4,837 132.80 36.42
Seagahan Cusher Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,603 47.82 117.17
Shankill Lurgan Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 6,446 3,529.72 1.83
Tandragee Cusher Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,171 420.12 12.31
The Birches Portadown Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 6,098 78.78 77.41
The Mall Armagh Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,512 990.90 5.56
Waringstown Lagan River Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon 5,400 456.02 11.84
Andersonstown Black Mountain Belfast 4,648 4,750.66 0.98
Ardoyne Oldpark Belfast 5,490 10,235.66 0.54
Ballygomartin Court Belfast 5,952 2,162.58 2.75
Ballymacarrett Titanic Belfast 5,905 5,972.05 0.99
Ballymurphy Black Mountain Belfast 5,131 6,329.39 0.81
Ballysillan Oldpark Belfast 5,289 5,022.99 1.05
Beechmount Black Mountain Belfast 5,394 6,255.17 0.86
Beersbridge Titanic Belfast 6,610 6,952.38 0.95
Bellevue Castle Belfast 5,427 1,628.89 3.33
Belmont Ormiston Belfast 4,695 3,265.68 1.44
Belvoir Balmoral Belfast 5,359 980.42 5.47
Blackstaff Botanic Belfast 7,547 2,942.45 2.56
Bloomfield Titanic Belfast 5,894 7,224.94 0.82
Cavehill Castle Belfast 4,434 1,419.60 3.12
Central Botanic Belfast 15,446 5,497.58 2.81
Chichester Park Castle Belfast 5,409 4,590.58 1.18
Cliftonville Oldpark Belfast 5,657 4,978.47 1.14
Clonard Court Belfast 5,999 7,641.16 0.79
Collin Glen Black Mountain Belfast 5,656 591.59 9.56
Connswater Titanic Belfast 5,929 6,387.94 0.93
Cregagh Lisnasharragh Belfast 4,587 5,418.46 0.85
Duncairn Castle Belfast 8,338 870.49 9.58
Dunmurry Collin Belfast 5,207 2,732.84 1.91
Falls Court Belfast 5,179 4,705.79 1.10
Falls Park Black Mountain Belfast 4,742 2,145.41 2.21
Finaghy Balmoral Belfast 4,525 1,745.68 2.59
Forth River Court Belfast 4,921 1,134.76 4.34
Fortwilliam Castle Belfast 4,717 5,381.77 0.88
Garnerville Ormiston Belfast 4,788 1,649.90 2.90
Gilnahirk Ormiston Belfast 5,155 2,852.98 1.81
Hillfoot Lisnasharragh Belfast 4,582 1,747.56 2.62
Innisfayle Castle Belfast 5,315 4,178.79 1.27
Knock Ormiston Belfast 5,011 3,859.65 1.30
Ladybrook Collin Belfast 4,817 4,358.54 1.11
Lagmore Collin Belfast 8,344 3,840.08 2.17
Legoniel Oldpark Belfast 6,135 715.50 8.57
Malone Balmoral Belfast 4,811 2,333.71 2.06
Merok Lisnasharragh Belfast 4,438 3,124.83 1.42
Musgrave Balmoral Belfast 4,836 2,836.81 1.70
New Lodge Oldpark Belfast 4,881 6,815.49 0.72
Orangefield Lisnasharragh Belfast 4,756 3,787.13 1.26
Ormeau Botanic Belfast 6,532 4,463.82 1.46
Poleglass Collin Belfast 6,103 2,027.56 3.01
Ravenhill Lisnasharragh Belfast 4,823 4,696.18 1.03
Rosetta Lisnasharragh Belfast 5,793 5,215.15 1.11
Sandown Ormiston Belfast 4,470 4,762.57 0.94
Shandon Ormiston Belfast 5,377 2,056.76 2.61
Shankill Court Belfast 6,445 5,793.76 1.11
Shaw's Road Black Mountain Belfast 5,480 3,141.76 1.74
Stewartstown Collin Belfast 4,579 4,604.49 0.99
Stormont Ormiston Belfast 5,045 947.30 5.33
Stranmillis Botanic Belfast 8,978 3,638.12 2.47
Sydenham Titanic Belfast 5,589 613.62 9.11
Turf Lodge Black Mountain Belfast 4,569 1,928.80 2.37
Twinbrook Collin Belfast 4,917 3,475.45 1.41
Upper Malone Balmoral Belfast 4,974 1,150.65 4.32
Water Works Oldpark Belfast 6,910 5,075.00 1.36
Windsor Botanic Belfast 11,302 8,183.80 1.38
Woodstock Titanic Belfast 6,431 9,649.75 0.67
Woodvale Court Belfast 5,170 6,143.26 0.84
Aghadowey Bann Causeway Coast and Glens 3,453 29.08 118.76
Altahullion Benbradagh Causeway Coast and Glens 3,191 49.62 64.30
Atlantic Causeway Causeway Coast and Glens 4,536 847.17 5.35
Ballycastle The Glens Causeway Coast and Glens 3,397 1,447.41 2.35
Ballykelly Benbradagh Causeway Coast and Glens 3,103 54.34 57.11
Ballymoney East Ballymoney Causeway Coast and Glens 3,111 3,116.91 1.00
Ballymoney North Ballymoney Causeway Coast and Glens 3,401 945.94 3.60
Ballymoney South Ballymoney Causeway Coast and Glens 3,386 425.35 7.96
Castlerock Bann Causeway Coast and Glens 3,391 187.01 18.13
Churchland Coleraine Causeway Coast and Glens 3,643 2,310.09 1.58
Clogh Mills Ballymoney Causeway Coast and Glens 3,645 57.29 63.63
Coolessan Limavady Causeway Coast and Glens 2,920 2,581.05 1.13
Dervock Causeway Causeway Coast and Glens 3,449 55.84 61.76
Drumsurn Limavady Causeway Coast and Glens 3,663 82.90 44.19
Dundooan Causeway Causeway Coast and Glens 3,910 50.01 78.18
Dungiven Benbradagh Causeway Coast and Glens 3,297 24.44 134.88
Dunloy Ballymoney Causeway Coast and Glens 3,625 54.54 66.47
Feeny Benbradagh Causeway Coast and Glens 3,611 36.11 99.99
Garvagh Bann Causeway Coast and Glens 3,514 46.41 75.72
Giant's Causeway Causeway Causeway Coast and Glens 3,382 39.29 86.08
Greysteel Benbradagh Causeway Coast and Glens 4,642 128.51 36.12
Greystone Limavady Causeway Coast and Glens 3,486 3,099.77 1.12
Hopefield Causeway Causeway Coast and Glens 3,588 1,718.49 2.09
Kilrea Bann Causeway Coast and Glens 3,751 62.79 59.74
Kinbane The Glens Causeway Coast and Glens 4,041 48.59 83.16
Loughguile and Stranocum The Glens Causeway Coast and Glens 3,678 30.21 121.74
Lurigethan The Glens Causeway Coast and Glens 2,764 39.78 69.48
Macosquin Bann Causeway Coast and Glens 3,431 38.57 88.96
Magilligan Limavady Causeway Coast and Glens 3,481 24.00 145.01
Mountsandel Coleraine Causeway Coast and Glens 3,808 1,251.27 3.04
Portrush and Dunluce Causeway Causeway Coast and Glens 2,759 133.27 20.70
Portstewart Causeway Causeway Coast and Glens 2,915 774.25 3.76
Quarry Coleraine Causeway Coast and Glens 4,457 2,586.71 1.72
Rasharkin Ballymoney Causeway Coast and Glens 3,906 66.24 58.96
Roeside Limavady Causeway Coast and Glens 2,654 1,259.86 2.11
Route Ballymoney Causeway Coast and Glens 3,448 104.21 33.09
Torr Head and Rathlin The Glens Causeway Coast and Glens 3,597 14.21 253.11
University Coleraine Causeway Coast and Glens 3,654 1,341.18 2.72
Waterside Coleraine Causeway Coast and Glens 4,305 2,034.15 2.12
Windy Hall Coleraine Causeway Coast and Glens 3,754 1,287.89 2.91
Artigarvan Sperrin Derry City and Strabane 3,639 75.22 48.38
Ballycolman Sperrin Derry City and Strabane 3,530 1,969.60 1.79
Ballymagroarty Foyleside Derry City and Strabane 3,984 760.89 5.24
Brandywell The Moor Derry City and Strabane 3,185 4,952.83 0.64
Carn Hill Ballyarnett Derry City and Strabane 2,851 2,722.33 1.05
Castlederg Derg Derry City and Strabane 3,443 154.21 22.33
Caw Waterside Derry City and Strabane 4,334 2,620.90 1.65
City Walls The Moor Derry City and Strabane 3,242 2,947.46 1.10
Claudy Faughan Derry City and Strabane 3,500 42.32 82.71
Clondermot Waterside Derry City and Strabane 3,848 1,452.63 2.65
Creggan The Moor Derry City and Strabane 3,476 5,154.23 0.67
Creggan South The Moor Derry City and Strabane 3,849 3,755.63 1.02
Culmore Ballyarnett Derry City and Strabane 4,324 490.44 8.82
Drumahoe Waterside Derry City and Strabane 4,497 1,706.29 2.64
Dunnamanagh Sperrin Derry City and Strabane 3,513 25.75 136.45
Ebrington Waterside Derry City and Strabane 4,021 1,427.29 2.82
Eglinton Faughan Derry City and Strabane 3,910 271.87 14.38
Enagh Faughan Derry City and Strabane 4,393 99.77 44.03
Finn Derg Derry City and Strabane 4,321 101.67 42.50
Foyle Springs Foyleside Derry City and Strabane 3,043 3,555.98 0.86
Galliagh Ballyarnett Derry City and Strabane 3,749 4,162.52 0.90
Glenderg Derg Derry City and Strabane 3,200 15.09 212.05
Glenelly Valley Sperrin Derry City and Strabane 3,403 13.25 256.90
Kilfennan Waterside Derry City and Strabane 4,735 2,921.29 1.62
Lisnagelvin Waterside Derry City and Strabane 3,166 3,882.64 0.82
Madam's Bank Foyleside Derry City and Strabane 2,865 1,297.37 2.21
New Buildings Faughan Derry City and Strabane 3,831 708.61 5.41
Newtownstewart Derg Derry City and Strabane 3,102 35.27 87.95
Northland Foyleside Derry City and Strabane 4,844 3,748.27 1.29
Park Sperrin Derry City and Strabane 3,531 29.15 121.12
Shantallow Ballyarnett Derry City and Strabane 3,667 5,317.61 0.69
Shantallow East Ballyarnett Derry City and Strabane 4,266 2,412.32 1.77
Sheriff's Mountain The Moor Derry City and Strabane 3,337 154.08 21.66
Sion Mills Derg Derry City and Strabane 3,732 154.57 24.14
Skeoge Ballyarnett Derry City and Strabane 6,385 1,038.46 6.15
Slievekirk Faughan Derry City and Strabane 3,576 49.62 72.06
Springtown Foyleside Derry City and Strabane 2,883 1,746.07 1.65
Strabane North Sperrin Derry City and Strabane 4,006 1,017.17 3.94
Strabane West Sperrin Derry City and Strabane 3,105 2,373.96 1.31
Victoria Waterside Derry City and Strabane 4,468 1,229.12 3.64
Ballinamallard Erne North Fermanagh and Omagh 2,947 77.25 38.15
Belcoo and Garrison Erne West Fermanagh and Omagh 2,644 13.07 202.26
Belleek and Boa Erne North Fermanagh and Omagh 3,123 15.94 195.90
Beragh Mid Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 2,912 44.17 65.92
Boho, Cleenish and Letterbreen Erne West Fermanagh and Omagh 3,466 24.76 139.99
Brookeborough Erne East Fermanagh and Omagh 2,579 20.88 123.50
Camowen Omagh Fermanagh and Omagh 3,213 676.64 4.75
Castlecoole Enniskillen Fermanagh and Omagh 3,203 484.00 6.62
Coolnagard Omagh Fermanagh and Omagh 3,410 1,556.36 2.19
Dergmoney Omagh Fermanagh and Omagh 2,587 1,090.33 2.37
Derrygonnelly Erne West Fermanagh and Omagh 2,898 18.00 160.98
Derrylin Erne West Fermanagh and Omagh 2,794 26.45 105.65
Donagh Erne East Fermanagh and Omagh 2,527 23.17 109.06
Dromore West Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 2,784 61.65 45.16
Drumnakilly Mid Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 3,184 66.70 47.74
Drumquin West Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 2,910 18.38 158.31
Ederney and Kesh Erne North Fermanagh and Omagh 2,774 36.60 75.78
Erne Enniskillen Fermanagh and Omagh 3,054 948.62 3.22
Fairy Water West Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 2,826 25.57 110.50
Fintona West Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 2,553 41.78 61.11
Florence Court and Kinawley Erne West Fermanagh and Omagh 2,883 17.61 163.75
Gortin Mid Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 3,304 36.41 90.74
Gortrush Omagh Fermanagh and Omagh 3,217 966.95 3.33
Irvinestown Erne North Fermanagh and Omagh 3,387 80.11 42.28
Killyclogher Omagh Fermanagh and Omagh 3,051 2,072.15 1.47
Lisbellaw Enniskillen Fermanagh and Omagh 3,057 58.47 52.28
Lisnarrick Enniskillen Fermanagh and Omagh 3,356 44.53 75.36
Lisnaskea Erne East Fermanagh and Omagh 2,645 473.71 5.58
Maguiresbridge Erne East Fermanagh and Omagh 3,299 37.19 88.70
Newtownbutler Erne East Fermanagh and Omagh 2,567 28.31 90.66
Newtownsaville West Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 2,977 36.41 81.76
Owenkillew Mid Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 2,698 14.40 187.30
Portora Enniskillen Fermanagh and Omagh 3,185 770.84 4.13
Rosslea Erne East Fermanagh and Omagh 2,331 24.43 95.43
Rossorry Enniskillen Fermanagh and Omagh 2,543 442.57 5.75
Sixmilecross Mid Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 2,828 30.48 92.77
Strule Omagh Fermanagh and Omagh 2,971 1,268.94 2.34
Tempo Erne North Fermanagh and Omagh 2,878 31.81 90.49
Termon Mid Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 2,699 31.97 84.42
Trillick West Tyrone Fermanagh and Omagh 2,552 28.92 88.26
Ballinderry Killultagh Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,921 114.00 34.39
Ballyhanwood Castlereagh East Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,028 265.70 11.40
Ballymacash Lisburn South Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,137 3,432.17 0.91
Ballymacbrennan Downshire East Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,081 72.63 42.42
Ballymacoss Lisburn South Lisburn and Castlereagh 5,975 3,961.22 1.51
Beechill Castlereagh South Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,384 1,178.19 2.87
Blaris Downshire West Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,415 355.41 9.61
Cairnshill Castlereagh South Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,513 4,206.16 0.84
Carrowreagh Castlereagh East Lisburn and Castlereagh 6,124 828.22 7.39
Carryduff East Castlereagh South Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,823 302.71 12.63
Carryduff West Castlereagh South Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,351 792.27 4.23
Derryaghy Lisburn North Lisburn and Castlereagh 4,627 1,356.54 3.41
Dromara Downshire East Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,460 82.20 42.09
Drumbo Downshire East Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,039 127.98 23.75
Dundonald Castlereagh East Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,105 1,472.64 2.11
Enler Castlereagh East Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,205 5,160.22 0.62
Galwally Castlereagh South Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,040 2,818.32 1.08
Glenavy Killultagh Lisburn and Castlereagh 4,079 126.20 32.32
Graham's Bridge Castlereagh East Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,312 3,340.18 0.99
Harmony Hill Lisburn North Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,022 3,350.83 0.90
Hilden Lisburn North Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,902 2,863.67 1.50
Hillhall Downshire East Lisburn and Castlereagh 4,065 536.57 7.58
Hillsborough Downshire West Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,312 145.94 22.69
Knockbracken Castlereagh South Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,534 1,001.38 3.53
Knockmore Lisburn South Lisburn and Castlereagh 4,658 1,101.94 4.23
Lagan Downshire West Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,477 77.88 44.65
Lagan Valley Lisburn South Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,397 3,277.87 1.04
Lambeg Lisburn North Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,817 873.44 4.37
Lisnagarvey Lisburn South Lisburn and Castlereagh 2,939 3,928.19 0.75
Maghaberry Killultagh Lisburn and Castlereagh 4,782 223.45 21.40
Magheralave Lisburn North Lisburn and Castlereagh 4,255 2,512.51 1.69
Maze Downshire West Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,228 184.23 17.52
Moira Downshire West Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,747 948.51 3.95
Moneyreagh Castlereagh East Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,125 124.56 25.09
Newtownbreda Castlereagh South Lisburn and Castlereagh 2,843 3,786.77 0.75
Old Warren Lisburn South Lisburn and Castlereagh 4,122 4,151.82 0.99
Ravernet Downshire East Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,096 88.41 35.02
Stonyford Killultagh Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,149 50.26 62.66
Wallace Park Lisburn North Lisburn and Castlereagh 3,862 2,004.58 1.93
White Mountain Killultagh Lisburn and Castlereagh 6,138 454.38 13.51
Academy Ballymena Mid and East Antrim 2,567 983.80 2.61
Ahoghill Bannside Mid and East Antrim 3,607 520.48 6.93
Ardeevin Ballymena Mid and East Antrim 3,715 1,081.53 3.43
Ballee and Harryville Braid Mid and East Antrim 3,588 860.43 4.17
Ballycarry and Glynn Larne Lough Mid and East Antrim 3,747 81.97 45.71
Ballykeel Ballymena Mid and East Antrim 3,026 2,088.72 1.45
Boneybefore Carrick Castle Mid and East Antrim 2,864 3,131.70 0.91
Braidwater Ballymena Mid and East Antrim 3,214 1,793.25 1.79
Broughshane Braid Mid and East Antrim 3,726 236.82 15.73
Burleigh Hill Knockagh Mid and East Antrim 2,863 2,279.55 1.14
Cairncastle Coast Road Mid and East Antrim 3,237 100.55 32.19
Carnlough and Glenarm Coast Road Mid and East Antrim 3,137 28.39 110.49
Castle Carrick Castle Mid and East Antrim 3,913 2,982.44 1.31
Castle Demesne Ballymena Mid and East Antrim 4,446 2,774.90 1.60
Craigyhill Coast Road Mid and East Antrim 3,920 2,198.10 1.78
Cullybackey Bannside Mid and East Antrim 2,869 580.16 4.95
Curran and Inver Larne Lough Mid and East Antrim 3,384 725.38 4.67
Fair Green Ballymena Mid and East Antrim 4,262 3,487.71 1.22
Galgorm Bannside Mid and East Antrim 3,254 324.19 10.04
Gardenmore Coast Road Mid and East Antrim 3,290 1,876.66 1.75
Glenravel Braid Mid and East Antrim 3,595 40.98 87.73
Glenwhirry Braid Mid and East Antrim 3,160 27.49 114.95
Gortalee Knockagh Mid and East Antrim 3,693 3,160.74 1.17
Grange Bannside Mid and East Antrim 3,720 61.62 60.37
Greenisland Knockagh Mid and East Antrim 3,446 547.30 6.30
Islandmagee Larne Lough Mid and East Antrim 3,048 93.09 32.74
Kells Braid Mid and East Antrim 3,453 158.39 21.80
Kilroot Carrick Castle Mid and East Antrim 4,254 220.85 19.26
Kilwaughter Larne Lough Mid and East Antrim 4,791 74.18 64.59
Kirkinriola Braid Mid and East Antrim 3,228 54.24 59.51
Love Lane Carrick Castle Mid and East Antrim 3,033 2,535.93 1.20
Maine Bannside Mid and East Antrim 3,044 53.40 57.01
Park Ballymena Mid and East Antrim 2,921 2,462.67 1.19
Portglenone Bannside Mid and East Antrim 3,351 84.77 39.53
Slemish Braid Mid and East Antrim 3,207 17.90 179.17
Sunnylands Knockagh Mid and East Antrim 4,097 4,971.53 0.82
The Maidens Coast Road Mid and East Antrim 3,438 2,430.32 1.41
Victoria Carrick Castle Mid and East Antrim 4,394 2,646.42 1.66
Whitehead South Larne Lough Mid and East Antrim 3,345 434.01 7.71
Woodburn Knockagh Mid and East Antrim 3,428 69.87 49.07
Ardboe Torrent Mid Ulster 3,818 27.87 137.01
Augher and Clogher Clogher Valley Mid Ulster 3,460 34.62 99.94
Aughnacloy Clogher Valley Mid Ulster 3,696 44.10 83.81
Ballygawley Clogher Valley Mid Ulster 3,940 51.32 76.78
Ballymaguigan Moyola Mid Ulster 4,144 95.54 43.37
Ballysaggart Dungannon Mid Ulster 5,062 1,279.30 3.96
Bellaghy Moyola Mid Ulster 3,879 92.99 41.72
Caledon Clogher Valley Mid Ulster 3,963 42.26 93.78
Castlecaulfield Clogher Valley Mid Ulster 3,759 90.13 41.71
Castledawson Moyola Mid Ulster 3,792 110.65 34.27
Coagh Cookstown Mid Ulster 3,371 80.91 41.66
Coalisland North Torrent Mid Ulster 3,671 286.12 12.83
Coalisland South Torrent Mid Ulster 4,842 1,565.04 3.09
Cookstown East Cookstown Mid Ulster 3,790 784.22 4.83
Cookstown South Cookstown Mid Ulster 3,524 1,589.08 2.22
Cookstown West Cookstown Mid Ulster 3,688 1,392.18 2.65
Coolshinny Magherafelt Mid Ulster 4,048 63.92 63.33
Donaghmore Torrent Mid Ulster 3,839 61.20 62.73
Draperstown Moyola Mid Ulster 3,266 55.13 59.24
Fivemiletown Clogher Valley Mid Ulster 3,174 21.34 148.76
Glebe Magherafelt Mid Ulster 3,845 1,492.16 2.58
Killyman Dungannon Mid Ulster 3,619 111.95 32.33
Killymeal Dungannon Mid Ulster 5,003 503.53 9.94
Lissan Magherafelt Mid Ulster 3,863 42.92 83.74
Loughry Cookstown Mid Ulster 2,955 104.78 28.20
Lower Glenshane Carntogher Mid Ulster 3,153 38.49 81.91
Maghera Carntogher Mid Ulster 3,469 816.58 4.25
Moy Dungannon Mid Ulster 3,950 116.80 33.82
Moygashel Dungannon Mid Ulster 3,606 641.73 5.62
Mullaghmore Dungannon Mid Ulster 4,408 522.11 8.44
Oaklands Cookstown Mid Ulster 3,413 30.24 112.86
Pomeroy Cookstown Mid Ulster 3,879 51.73 74.98
Stewartstown Torrent Mid Ulster 3,110 46.99 66.19
Swatragh Carntogher Mid Ulster 3,458 48.41 71.43
Tamlaght O'Crilly Carntogher Mid Ulster 3,647 72.08 50.60
The Loup Magherafelt Mid Ulster 4,260 62.57 68.09
Tobermore Moyola Mid Ulster 3,458 53.18 65.02
Town Parks East Magherafelt Mid Ulster 3,557 2,176.28 1.63
Valley Carntogher Mid Ulster 3,443 64.42 53.45
Washing Bay Torrent Mid Ulster 3,738 88.36 42.31
Abbey Newry Newry, Mourne and Down 4,082 1,238.50 3.30
Annalong The Mournes Newry, Mourne and Down 4,347 96.19 45.19
Ballybot Newry Newry, Mourne and Down 5,351 2,169.58 2.47
Ballydugan Slieve Croob Newry, Mourne and Down 3,771 44.94 83.92
Ballynahinch Rowallane Newry, Mourne and Down 4,681 1,290.34 3.63
Ballyward Slieve Croob Newry, Mourne and Down 4,499 37.03 121.51
Bessbrook Slieve Gullion Newry, Mourne and Down 5,535 1,418.77 3.90
Binnian The Mournes Newry, Mourne and Down 4,303 70.77 60.80
Burren Crotlieve Newry, Mourne and Down 4,317 182.54 23.65
Camlough Slieve Gullion Newry, Mourne and Down 4,147 98.30 42.19
Castlewellan Slieve Croob Newry, Mourne and Down 4,479 180.38 24.83
Cathedral Downpatrick Newry, Mourne and Down 4,217 676.98 6.23
Crossgar and Killyleagh Rowallane Newry, Mourne and Down 4,404 198.31 22.21
Crossmaglen Slieve Gullion Newry, Mourne and Down 3,973 109.01 36.45
Damolly Newry Newry, Mourne and Down 4,389 2,106.36 2.08
Derryboy Rowallane Newry, Mourne and Down 4,045 53.14 76.11
Derryleckagh Crotlieve Newry, Mourne and Down 4,906 141.17 34.75
Donard The Mournes Newry, Mourne and Down 3,757 365.32 10.28
Drumalane Newry Newry, Mourne and Down 5,018 2,123.73 2.36
Drumaness Slieve Croob Newry, Mourne and Down 4,142 113.51 36.49
Dundrum Slieve Croob Newry, Mourne and Down 4,501 107.82 41.74
Fathom Newry Newry, Mourne and Down 4,444 110.31 40.29
Forkhill Slieve Gullion Newry, Mourne and Down 4,174 73.66 56.66
Hilltown Crotlieve Newry, Mourne and Down 5,134 60.72 84.55
Kilkeel The Mournes Newry, Mourne and Down 3,931 647.10 6.07
Kilmore Rowallane Newry, Mourne and Down 3,974 63.29 62.79
Knocknashinna Downpatrick Newry, Mourne and Down 4,679 898.30 5.21
Lecale Downpatrick Newry, Mourne and Down 4,387 79.58 55.13
Lisnacree The Mournes Newry, Mourne and Down 4,731 48.67 97.21
Mayobridge Crotlieve Newry, Mourne and Down 5,314 84.71 62.73
Mullaghbane Slieve Gullion Newry, Mourne and Down 4,441 79.14 56.12
Murlough The Mournes Newry, Mourne and Down 4,837 437.46 11.06
Newtownhamilton Slieve Gullion Newry, Mourne and Down 4,417 46.86 94.27
Quoile Downpatrick Newry, Mourne and Down 4,172 125.83 33.15
Rostrevor Crotlieve Newry, Mourne and Down 4,343 120.89 35.92
Saintfield Rowallane Newry, Mourne and Down 4,118 273.41 15.06
St. Patrick's Newry Newry, Mourne and Down 4,664 2,794.76 1.67
Strangford Downpatrick Newry, Mourne and Down 4,460 43.92 101.55
Tollymore The Mournes Newry, Mourne and Down 4,303 39.45 109.07
Warrenpoint Crotlieve Newry, Mourne and Down 4,614 2,080.85 2.22
Whitecross Slieve Gullion Newry, Mourne and Down 4,065 60.63 67.04
Ballycrochan Bangor East and Donaghadee Ards and North Down 3,118 1,283.30 2.43
Ballygowan Comber Ards and North Down 4,368 162.14 26.94
Ballygrainey Bangor Central Ards and North Down 6,301 874.01 7.21
Ballyholme Bangor Central Ards and North Down 3,891 3,668.99 1.06
Ballymagee Bangor East and Donaghadee Ards and North Down 4,119 3,387.50 1.22
Ballywalter Ards Peninsula Ards and North Down 4,647 86.21 53.90
Bloomfield Bangor Central Ards and North Down 4,188 2,780.03 1.51
Broadway Bangor Central Ards and North Down 3,421 2,268.54 1.51
Bryansburn Bangor West Ards and North Down 3,759 2,951.75 1.27
Carrowdore Ards Peninsula Ards and North Down 4,260 81.65 52.17
Castle Bangor Central Ards and North Down 4,029 2,438.30 1.65
Clandeboye Holywood and Clandeboye Ards and North Down 4,189 278.71 15.03
Comber North Comber Ards and North Down 3,790 651.47 5.82
Comber South Comber Ards and North Down 3,786 107.86 35.10
Comber West Comber Ards and North Down 3,807 428.71 8.88
Conway Square Newtownards Ards and North Down 4,317 1,339.28 3.22
Cronstown Newtownards Ards and North Down 4,479 3,870.91 1.16
Cultra Holywood and Clandeboye Ards and North Down 4,007 232.32 17.25
Donaghadee Bangor East and Donaghadee Ards and North Down 3,972 2,529.11 1.57
Glen Newtownards Ards and North Down 4,521 722.63 6.26
Gregstown Newtownards Ards and North Down 3,183 2,678.37 1.19
Groomsport Bangor East and Donaghadee Ards and North Down 3,630 538.23 6.74
Harbour Bangor Central Ards and North Down 4,752 3,845.66 1.24
Helen's Bay Holywood and Clandeboye Ards and North Down 3,901 473.07 8.25
Holywood Holywood and Clandeboye Ards and North Down 4,065 827.52 4.91
Kilcooley Bangor West Ards and North Down 4,425 3,876.51 1.14
Killinchy Comber Ards and North Down 3,737 48.78 76.61
Kircubbin Ards Peninsula Ards and North Down 4,396 69.99 62.81
Loughries Ards Peninsula Ards and North Down 4,170 101.48 41.09
Loughview Holywood and Clandeboye Ards and North Down 4,662 966.80 4.82
Movilla Newtownards Ards and North Down 4,244 3,507.75 1.21
Portaferry Ards Peninsula Ards and North Down 3,544 83.56 42.41
Portavogie Ards Peninsula Ards and North Down 3,865 210.37 18.37
Rathgael Bangor West Ards and North Down 3,684 3,180.81 1.16
Rathmore Bangor West Ards and North Down 3,699 2,888.55 1.28
Scrabo Newtownards Ards and North Down 4,257 203.89 20.88
Silverbirch Bangor East and Donaghadee Ards and North Down 3,729 4,518.77 0.83
Silverstream Bangor West Ards and North Down 3,960 5,305.38 0.75
Warren Bangor East and Donaghadee Ards and North Down 4,309 222.64 19.35
West Winds Newtownards Ards and North Down 4,467 693.71 6.44

Composition of district councils

[edit]

This table shows number of councillors by party, election, and district, based on the three local elections that have occurred since local government reform in 2014-15.

'S.' denotes seats. '14', '19' and '23' denote the years 2014, 2019 and 2023. This table does not reflect any notional changes between the 2011 election and the 2014 election. 'Minor Nat.' includes independent nationalists and Aontú. 'Minor Un.' includes independent unionists, NI21 and UKIP. 'Minor Other' includes other independents and Labour Alternative.

Council Yr SF DUP APNI UUP SDLP TUV GPNI PBP Minor Nat. Minor Un. Minor Other Total Nat Total Unionist Total Other Total
S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ±
Antrim & Newtownabbey 14 3 Steady 14 Steady 4 Steady 13 Steady 4 Steady 2 Steady Steady Steady Steady Steady Steady 7 Steady 29 Steady 4 Steady 40
19 5 Increase2 14 Steady 7 Increase3 9 Decrease4 4 Steady Decrease2 Steady Steady Steady Steady 1 Increase1 9 Increase2 23 Decrease6 8 Increase4
23 9 Increase4 13 Decrease1 8 Increase1 7 Decrease2 1 Decrease3 Steady Steady Steady Steady Steady 2 Increase1 10 Increase1 20 Decrease3 10 Increase2
Ards & North Down 14 Steady 17 Steady 7 Steady 9 Steady 1 Steady 1 Steady 3 Steady Steady Steady 2 Steady Steady 1 Steady 29 Steady 10 Steady 40
19 Steady 14 Decrease3 10 Increase3 8 Decrease1 1 Steady 1 Steady 3 Steady Steady Steady 2 Steady 1 Increase1 1 Steady 25 Decrease4 14 Increase4
23 Steady 14 Steady 12 Increase2 8 Steady 1 Steady Decrease1 2 Decrease1 Steady Steady 2 Steady 1 Steady 1 Steady 24 Decrease1 15 Increase1
Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon 14 8 Steady 13 Steady Steady 12 Steady 6 Steady Steady Steady Steady Steady 2 Steady Steady 14 Steady 27 Steady Steady Steady 41
19 10 Increase2 11 Decrease2 3 Increase3 10 Decrease2 6 Steady Steady Steady Steady Steady 1 Decrease1 Steady 16 Increase2 22 Decrease5 3 Increase3
23 15 Increase5 13 Increase2 4 Increase1 6 Decrease4 1 Decrease5 1 Increase1 Steady Steady Steady 1 Steady Steady 16 Steady 21 Decrease1 4 Increase1
Belfast City 14 19 Steady 13 Steady 8 Steady 7 Steady 7 Steady 1 Steady 1 Steady 1 Steady Steady 3 Steady Steady 26 Steady 24 Steady 10 Steady 60
19 18 Decrease1 15 Increase2 10 Increase2 2 Decrease5 6 Decrease1 Decrease1 4 Increase3 3 Increase2 Steady 2 Decrease1 Steady 24 Decrease2 19 Decrease5 17 Increase7
23 22 Increase4 14 Decrease1 11 Increase1 2 Steady 5 Decrease1 1 Increase1 3 Decrease1 1 Decrease2 1 Increase1 Decrease2 Steady 28 Increase4 17 Decrease2 15 Decrease2
Causeway Coast & Glens 14 7 Steady 11 Steady 1 Steady 10 Steady 6 Steady 3 Steady Steady Steady 1 Steady 1 Steady Steady 14 Steady 25 Steady 1 Steady 40
19 9 Increase2 14 Increase3 2 Increase1 7 Decrease3 6 Steady Decrease3 Steady Steady 1 Steady 1 Steady Steady 16 Increase2 22 Decrease3 2 Increase1
23 12 Increase3 13 Decrease1 5 Increase3 4 Decrease3 3 Decrease3 2 Increase2 Steady Steady Decrease1 1 Steady Steady 15 Decrease1 20 Decrease2 5 Increase3
Derry City & Strabane 14 16 Steady 8 Steady Steady 2 Steady 10 Steady Steady Steady Steady 4 Steady Steady Steady 30 Steady 10 Steady 0 Steady 40
19 11 Decrease5 7 Decrease1 2 Increase2 2 Steady 11 Increase1 Steady Steady 2 Increase2 5 Increase1 Steady Steady 27 Decrease3 9 Decrease1 4 Increase4
23 18 Increase7 5 Decrease2 Decrease2 3 Increase1 10 Decrease1 Steady Steady 1 Decrease1 3 Decrease2 Steady Steady 31 Increase4 8 Decrease1 1 Decrease3
Fermanagh & Omagh 14 17 Steady 5 Steady Steady 9 Steady 8 Steady Steady Steady Steady 1 Steady Steady Steady 26 Steady 14 Steady 0 Steady 40
19 15 Decrease2 5 Steady 1 Increase1 9 Steady 5 Decrease3 Steady Steady Steady 4 Increase3 Steady 1 Increase1 24 Decrease2 14 Steady 2 Increase2
23 21 Increase6 6 Increase1 2 Increase1 7 Decrease2 3 Decrease2 Steady Steady Steady 1 Decrease3 Steady Decrease1 25 Increase1 13 Decrease1 2 Steady
Lisburn & Castlereagh 14 Steady 20 Steady 7 Steady 8 Steady 3 Steady 1 Steady Steady Steady Steady 1 Steady Steady 3 Steady 30 Steady 7 Steady 40
19 2 Increase2 15 Decrease5 9 Increase2 11 Increase3 2 Decrease1 Decrease1 1 Increase1 Steady Steady Decrease1 Steady 4 Increase1 26 Decrease4 10 Increase3
23 4 Increase2 14 Decrease1 13 Increase4 6 Decrease5 2 Steady Steady Decrease1 Steady Steady 1 Increase1 Steady 6 Increase2 21 Decrease5 13 Increase3
Mid & East Antrim 14 3 Steady 16 Steady 3 Steady 9 Steady 1 Steady 5 Steady Steady Steady Steady 3 Steady Steady 4 Steady 33 Steady 3 Steady 40
19 2 Decrease1 15 Decrease1 7 Increase4 7 Decrease2 1 Steady 5 Steady Steady Steady Steady 3 Steady Steady 3 Decrease1 30 Decrease3 7 Increase4
23 4 Increase2 14 Decrease1 7 Steady 8 Increase1 Decrease1 5 Steady Steady Steady Steady 2 Decrease1 Steady 4 Increase1 29 Decrease1 7 Steady
Mid Ulster 14 18 Steady 8 Steady Steady 7 Steady 6 Steady Steady Steady Steady 1 Steady Steady Steady 25 Steady 15 Steady 0 Steady 40
19 17 Decrease1 9 Increase1 Steady 6 Decrease1 6 Steady Steady Steady Steady 2 Increase1 Steady Steady 25 Steady 15 Steady 0 Steady
23 19 Increase2 11 Increase2 Steady 2 Decrease4 5 Decrease1 Steady Steady Steady 3 Increase1 Steady Steady 27 Increase2 13 Decrease2 0 Steady
Newry, Mourne & Down 14 14 Steady 4 Steady 2 Steady 3 Steady 14 Steady Steady Steady Steady 2 Steady 2 Steady 1 Steady 30 Steady 8 Steady 3 Steady 41
19 16 Increase2 3 Decrease1 2 Steady 4 Increase1 11 Decrease3 Steady Steady Steady 3 Increase1 1 Decrease1 1 Steady 30 Steady 8 Steady 3 Steady
23 20 Increase1 5 Increase2 5 Increase3 1 Decrease3 8 Decrease4 Steady Steady Steady 2 Decrease1 0 Decrease1 0 Decrease1 30 Steady 6 Decrease2 5 Increase2
Total 14 105 Steady 130 Steady 32 Steady 88 Steady 66 Steady 13 Steady 4 Steady 1 Steady 9 Steady 13 Steady 1 Steady 180 Steady 244 Steady 38 Steady 462
19 105 Steady 122 Decrease8 53 Increase21 75 Decrease14 59 Decrease7 6 Decrease7 8 Increase4 5 Increase4 15 Increase6 10 Decrease3 4 Increase3 179 Decrease1 213 Decrease31 70 Increase32
23 144 Increase39 122 Steady 67 Increase14 54 Decrease21 39 Decrease20 9 Increase3 5 Decrease3 2 Decrease3 10 Decrease5 7 Decrease3 3 Decrease1 193 Increase14 192 Decrease21 77 Increase7
Council Yr S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± S. ± Total
SF DUP APNI UUP SDLP TUV GPNI PBP Minor Nat. Minor Un. Minor Other Total Nat Total Unionist Total Other

Local Government Districts (1973-2015)

[edit]

Local Government Districts (1973)

[edit]

The previous set of 26 councils, which preceded the current set of 11 councils, are shown on the below map. They had 583 wards in total - meaning 583 councillors, representing 102 District Electoral Areas.

No. on map Council Type (2011) No of Wards/Cllrs (2011) DEAs (1993-2011) Population of largest settlement (2011)[10] Population (2011)[11] Density (/km2) Area (km2)[12]
7 Belfast City Council City 51 9 - Balmoral, Castle, Court, Laganbank, Lower Falls, Oldpark, Pottinger, Upper Falls, Victoria 280,138 - Belfast City 280,962 2,339 115
19 Lisburn City Council City 30 5 - Downshire, Dunmurry Cross, Killultagh, Lisburn Town North, Lisburn Town South 45,370 - Lisburn City 120,165 247 447
13 Derry City Council City 30 5 - Cityside, Northland, Rural, Shantallow, Waterside 83,163 - Derry City 107,877 276 387
22 Newry and Mourne District Council District 30 5 - Crotlieve, Newry Town, Slieve Gullion, The Fews, The Mournes 26,967 - Newry 99,480 100 902
12 Craigavon Borough Council Borough 26 4 - Craigavon Central, Lurgan, Loughside, Portadown 64,323 - Craigavon Urban Area including Aghacommon 93,023 220 378
23 Newtownabbey Borough Council Borough 25 4 - Antrim Line, Ballyclare, Macedon, University 65,646 - Metropolitan Newtownabbey 85,139 532 151
24 North Down Borough Council Borough 25 4 - Abbey, Ballyholme and Groomsport, Bangor West, Holywood 61,011 - Bangor 79,900 958 81
2 Ards Borough Council Borough 23 4 - Ards East, Ards Peninsula, Ards West, Newtownards 28,050 - Newtownards 78,937 199 376
14 Down District Council District 23 4 - Ballynahinch, Downpatrick, Newcastle, Rowallane 10,822 - Downpatrick 69,731 103 647
9 Castlereagh Borough Council Borough 23 4 - Castlereagh Central, Castlereagh East, Castlereagh South, Castlereagh West 55,857 - Metropolitan Castlereagh 67,242 774 85
4 Ballymena Borough Council Borough 24 4 - Ballymena North, Ballymena South, Bannside, Braid 29,551 - Ballymena 64,044 95 632
16 Fermanagh District Council District 23 4 - Enniskillen, Erne East, Erne North, Erne West 13,823 - Enniskillen 61,805 32 1,876
3 Armagh City and District Council City and district 22 4 - Armagh City, Crossmore, Cusher, The Orchard 14,777 - Armagh 59,349 82 671
10 Coleraine Borough Council Borough 22 4 - Bann, Coleraine Central, Coleraine East, The Skerries 24,634 - Coleraine 59,067 116 486
15 Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council Borough 22 4 - Blackwater, Clogher Valley, Dungannon Town, Torrent 14,340 - Dungannon 57,852 63 784
1 Antrim Borough Council Borough 19 3 - Antrim North West, Antrim South East, Antrim Town 23,375 - Antrim 53,428 86 577
25 Omagh District Council District 21 3 - Mid Tyrone, Omagh Town, West Tyrone 19,659 - Omagh 51,356 44 1,130
6 Banbridge District Council District 17 3 - Banbridge Town, Dromore, Knockiveagh 16,637 - Banbridge 48,339 97 453
20 Magherafelt District Council District 16 3 - Magherafelt, Moyola, Sperrin 8,805 - Magherafelt 45,038 72 573
26 Strabane District Council District 16 3 - Derg, Glenelly, Mourne 13,172 - Strabane 39,384 45 862
8 Carrickfergus Borough Council Borough 17 3 - Carrick Castle, Kilroot, Knockagh Monument 27,998 - Carrickfergus 39,114 472 82
11 Cookstown District Council District 16 3 - Ballinderry, Cookstown Central, Drum Manor 11,599 - Cookstown 37,013 54 622
18 Limavady Borough Council Borough 15 3 - Bellarena, Benbradagh, Limavady Town 12,032 - Limavady 33,536 58 586
17 Larne Borough Council Borough 15 3 - Coast Road, Larne Lough, Larne Town 18,755 - Larne 32,180 92 336
5 Ballymoney Borough Council Borough 16 3 - Ballymoney Town, Bann Valley, Bushvale 10,402 - Ballymoney 31,224 68 418
21 Moyle District Council District 15 3 - Ballycastle, Giant's Causeway, The Glens 5,237 - Ballycastle 17,050 34 480
Total 26 councils 13 boroughs, 9 districts, 3 cities, 1 city and district 583 wards 102 District Electoral Areas 280,138 - Belfast City 1,812,235 128 14,137

History

[edit]

The current pattern of 11 local government districts was established on 1 April 2015, as a result of the reform process that started in 2005.

The previous pattern of local government in Northern Ireland, with 26 councils, was established in 1973 by the Local Government (Boundaries) Act (Northern Ireland) 1971 and the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 to replace the previous system established by the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898. The system was based on the recommendations of the Macrory Report, of June 1970, which presupposed the continued existence of the Government of Northern Ireland to act as a regional-level authority.[13]

From 1921 to 1973, Northern Ireland was divided into six administrative counties (subdivided into urban and rural districts) and two county boroughs. The counties and county boroughs continue to exist for the purposes of lieutenancy and shrievalty.[14] This system, with the abolition of rural districts, remains the model for local government in the Republic of Ireland. (See also List of rural and urban districts in Northern Ireland for more details)

Elections

[edit]

Councillors are elected for a four-year term of office under the single transferable vote (STV) system. Elections were last held on 18 May 2023. To qualify for election, a councillor candidate must be:

In addition, they must either:

  • be a local elector for the district, or
  • have, during the whole of the 12-month period prior to the election, either owned or occupied land in the district, or else resided or worked in the district

The results of the three elections held since the introduction of the 11 new districts in 2014-15 are as follows.

Combinations

[edit]

The districts are combined for various purposes.

Eurostat NUTS level 3

[edit]

In the Eurostat Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS), Northern Ireland is divided into five parts at level 3

Name Area Population (2011) % of population
UKN01 Belfast 280,962 15.5
UKN02 Outer Belfast Carrickfergus, Castlereagh, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, North Down 391,560 21.6
UKN03 East Antrim, Ards, Ballymena, Banbridge, Craigavon, Down, Larne 439,682 24.3
UKN04 North Ballymoney, Coleraine, Derry, Limavady, Moyle, Strabane 288,138 15.9
UKN05 West and South Armagh, Cookstown, Dungannon, Fermanagh, Magherafelt, Newry and Mourne, Omagh 411,893 22.7

Former education and library boards

[edit]

There were five education and library boards (ELBs) in Northern Ireland.

As part of the Review of Public Administration process, the library functions of the ELBs were taken over by a new body, the Northern Ireland Library Authority (branded Libraries NI) in April 2009.[15]

The education and skills functions were centralised into a single Education Authority for Northern Ireland in April 2015.[16]

The boards were as follows:

Name Area
1. Belfast
2. North Eastern Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Larne, Magherafelt, Moyle, Newtownabbey
3. South Eastern Ards, Castlereagh, Down, Lisburn and North Down
4. Southern Armagh, Banbridge, Cookstown, Craigavon, Dungannon and South Tyrone, Newry and Mourne
5. Western Derry, Fermanagh, Limavady, Omagh, Strabane

Former health and social services boards

[edit]

There were four health and social services boards which were replaced by a single Health and Social Care Board in April 2009.[17]

The former health and social services boards were as follows:

Name Area
1. Eastern Ards, Belfast, Castlereagh, Down, Lisburn, North Down
2. Northern Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney, Carrickfergus, Coleraine, Cookstown, Larne, Magherafelt, Moyle, Newtownabbey
3. Southern Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Dungannon and South Tyrone, Newry and Mourne
4. Western Derry, Fermanagh, Limavady, Omagh, Strabane

Reform

[edit]

In June 2002, the Northern Ireland Executive established a Review of Public Administration to review the arrangements for the accountability, development, administration and delivery of public services. Among its recommendations were a reduction in the number of districts.[18] In 2005 Peter Hain, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, announced proposals to reduce the number of councils to seven.[19] The names and boundaries of the seven districts were announced in March 2007.[20] In March 2008 the restored Northern Executive agreed to create eleven new councils instead of the original seven.[21][22] The first elections were due to take place in May 2011. However, by May 2010 disagreements among parties in the executive over district boundaries were expected to delay the reforms until 2015.[23] In June 2010 the proposed reforms were abandoned following the failure of the Northern Ireland Executive to reach agreement.[24][25] However, on 12 March 2012, the Northern Ireland Executive published its programme for government, which included a commitment to reduce the number of councils in Northern Ireland to 11.[26]

See also

[edit]

Tables relating to the old 26 council system

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "A Beginners Guide to UK Geography (2023)". Open Geography Portal. Office for National Statistics. 24 August 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2023. In Northern Ireland, a total of 26 LGDs were established in 1996. This number was reduced to 11 from 1 April 2015. These districts form the single tier of local government in Northern Ireland. Local government districts were formerly known as district council areas (DCAs).
  2. ^ "Census 2021 person and household estimates for settlements". Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. 18 December 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  3. ^ "Mid-Year Population Estimates, UK, June 2022". Office for National Statistics. 26 March 2024. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Election results 1973–2001". Electoral Office for Northern Ireland.
  5. ^ NISRA (2021). "Northern Ireland DEAs by population".{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. ^ "Northern Ireland Census 2021 - MS-A14: Population density". UK Data Service.
  7. ^ "Defining Eligibility Criteria" (PDF). NISRA.
  8. ^ "Census 2021 main statistics demography tables – age and sex". NISRA.
  9. ^ "OSNI Open Data - Largescale Boundaries - Wards (2012)". NISRA.
  10. ^ "2011 Census key statistics tables on demography". NISRA.
  11. ^ "2011 Census - Population Tables". Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. 10 January 2017. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  12. ^ OpenDataNI (27 June 2022). "OSNI Open Data - Largescale Boundaries - Local Government Districts (1993)". www.data.gov.uk. Retrieved 27 November 2024.
  13. ^ "Report of the Review Body on Local Government in Northern Ireland 1970". CAIN Web Service – Conflict and Politics in Northern Ireland (University of Ulster). Her Majesty's Stationery Office. June 1970. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
  14. ^ The Northern Ireland (Lieutenancy) Order 1975 (S.I. 1975 No.156)
  15. ^ Campbell officially launches a new era in libraries NI-Libraries.net, 2 April 2009; Retrieved 23 July 2013 Archived 29 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ "Education Authority". Education Authority NI.
  17. ^ "Health and Social Board". Retrieved 19 March 2018.
  18. ^ "Review of Public Administration". Northern Ireland Executive. Retrieved 8 July 2010.[dead link]
  19. ^ "Major reform of local government". BBC News. 22 November 2005. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
  20. ^ Revised Recommendations for new council boundaries unveiled (Press Release) Office of the Local Government Boundaries Commissioner, 30 March 2007 Archived 7 February 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  21. ^ "NI councils reduced from 26 to 11". BBC News. 13 March 2008. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
  22. ^ Foster announces the future shape of local government NI Executive, 13 March 2008 Archived 25 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  23. ^ "Plan to cut Northern Ireland councils may be delayed until 2015". Belfast Telegraph. 7 May 2010. Retrieved 24 May 2010.
  24. ^ "The executive fails to agree a deal on council reform". BBC News. 15 June 2010. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
  25. ^ "Local Government Association Incensed as Minister Stops the Reform Process". Northern Ireland Local Government Association. 15 June 2010. Archived from the original on 17 February 2011. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
  26. ^ "Priority 5: Delivering High Quality and Efficient Public Services; Key Commitments" (PDF). Programme for Government 2011–15. Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister. 12 March 2012. Retrieved 15 June 2012.
[edit]