That would make the constituency a five-seater.
The Electoral Commission has recommended an additional MEP be allocated to the Midlands-North constituency, making it a five-seater.
Ireland is to be allocated an additional MEP, which will bring the country's total to 14.
The Commission is also recommending Laois and Offaly be moved from the Ireland-South constituency, to Midlands-North, which would join the two counties up with their regional counterpart in Westmeath.
It says the change would create a reasonable equality of representation among the constituencies, and would avoid any county boundary breaches.
The Dublin constituency will remain as a four-seater, and Ireland-South will continue to be a five-seater.
Chair of An Coimisiún Toghcháin, the Electoral Commission, Supreme Court Judge, Ms. Justice Marie Baker stated:
“In late September a long-awaited EU decision allocated an additional 14th MEP seat to Ireland, stemming from our growing population and EU rules on the European Parliament’s composition.
Our recommendation is to allocate this additional seat to the Midlands-North West constituency, making it a five-seater and bringing in the counties of Offaly and Laois into that constituency from the South. The Dublin constituency remains unchanged.
“As Ireland’s independent electoral commission, we have worked quickly to ensure this recommendation is brought forward ahead of the statutory schedule. It is now for the Oireachtas to consider and legislate appropriately.”
An Irish MEP says the recommended changes to the country's constituencies for the European elections "makes sense."
It comes ahead of the European Parliament Elections, which are due to take place in June.
Ireland South Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says the change is bitter-sweet, but logical:
Green Party European Election candidate, Pauline O'Reilly who is a Senator and chair of the Party says:
"Now is the time to elect our region's first ever Green MEP.
The future has to be based on renewables, nature restoration, and a better outcome for our children.
Having a green at the table for our region when important decisions are being made in Europe is critical now as we face into that future."
More EV Charging Power Needed In The Midlands
Efforts Made To Prevent Spoiled Votes In June's Elections
Midlands Local Authorities Appoint New CEOs
Community Centre Needed For Offaly Town
Calls For Expansion For Third Level Education In Laois
Some Learner Drivers Stay On the Road For Years With No Passed Test
Arrests Made Following Westmeath Burglary
Young People Priced Out Of Housing Market Says LE Candidate
Athlone Road Works Driving Footfall To Other Westmeath Towns - Local Business
Lough REE RNLI Represented At Buckingham Palace
Westmeath ATM Removal Leaving Residents With Minimal Access To Cash - LE Candidate
Decision On N4 Upgrade Route Expected This Year
Visitor Centre And Green Gym Set To Be Developed At 'Bog Beach'
'Rigidity' Of HAP Leaves Domestic Abuse Victim In Athlone Emergency Accommodation For 18 Months
Concerns Raised With Speeding Levels In Rural Offaly
€1.8m Overspend On Midlands Homeless Services Last Year
Event In Offaly Celebrating Palestinian And Irish Culture
"Grave" Funding Situation For East Galway And Midlands Cancer Support Centre
Event In Laois To Pull 85 Tonnes In Aid Of Autism Charity
First Millennial To Become A Saint - "God's Influencer"