'Huge' disparity between Mayo census and electoral register figures revealed

THERE is a 'huge disparity' between the register of electors and the census population figures.

Westport Councillor Brendan Mulroy highlighted the fact when you go through the register, the numbers are not reflective of what is happening on the ground.

For some reason, he said, a lot of people aren't on the register.

He was curious to see the census figures, saying he thought there is a huge disparity.

The councillor felt that where maybe people didn't want to be on the register of electors, some of those people may also not have filled in their census form.

The population in Westport was 6,500 but he would argue it was closer to 8,500 or even slightly higher.

Director of services Catherine McConnell said people can register any time up to 14 days before an election happens.

She suggested they should run a campaign urging people to get registered.

Huge swathes of people have moved to the town and people don't think of these things.

Councillor Christy Hyland commented that a lot of people don't want to be on the register for their own personal reasons.