South County Dublin facts for kids
South County Dublin is a name that can mean two different things, both related to the area around Dublin, Ireland. It can refer to a modern administrative area called South Dublin County, or it can refer to an older political area used for elections, known as Dublin County South (Dáil Éireann constituency).
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Understanding South Dublin County
South Dublin County is one of the three counties that were created in 1994 when the old County Dublin was divided up. The other two counties are Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown and Fingal. These changes were made to help manage the growing population and services needed in the Dublin area.
What Does South Dublin County Do?
South Dublin County has its own local government, called the South Dublin County Council. This council is responsible for many important services that help people living in the area. These services include:
- Managing local roads and public transport.
- Providing housing for residents.
- Looking after parks and public spaces.
- Collecting waste and recycling.
- Planning for new buildings and developments.
- Organizing libraries and community activities.
The council works to make sure the county is a good place to live, work, and go to school.
Where is South Dublin County Located?
South Dublin County is located to the southwest of Dublin city. It includes many well-known towns and areas. Some of these places are Tallaght, Clondalkin, Lucan, and Rathfarnham. It is a busy area with a mix of residential neighborhoods, businesses, and green spaces.
Exploring Dublin County South (Dáil Éireann Constituency)
Before 1994, when the counties were reorganized, there was a political area called Dublin County South. This was a "constituency," which is a special area used for elections in Ireland. People living in this constituency would vote for their representatives to go to the Dáil Éireann. The Dáil Éireann is the main part of the Irish parliament, where laws are made.
When Was This Constituency Used?
The Dublin County South constituency was used for elections between 1969 and 1981. During this time, voters in that specific area would choose politicians to represent them in the national government. Constituencies are often changed over time to make sure that each elected representative has roughly the same number of voters. This helps make elections fair.
How Do Constituencies Work?
In Ireland, people vote for members of the Dáil Éireann, who are called Teachta Dála (TDs). Each constituency elects a certain number of TDs. The idea is that every part of the country has a voice in the parliament. When a constituency like Dublin County South was active, it meant that the people living there had a direct way to choose who would speak for them in the government.
