Counting of votes taken place in the town
A plebiscite (vote) to change the name of The Square in Newcastle West to Con Colbert Square has been defeated.
The name of The Square will remain the same.
| Total Eligible Poll | 39 |
| Total Poll | 27 |
| Invalid Votes | 1 |
| Total Valid Poll | 26 |
| For (the name change) | 6 |
| Against (the name change) | 20 |
There was one invalid vote as the ballot paper had not been witnessed.
According to the bye-laws, a plebiscite will be carried if 4/7ths of the total eligible poll vote in favour.
In this case it meant that in order for the plebiscite to be carried 22 votes in favour would have had to be cast.
The plebiscite followed on from a request by the Municipal District of Newcastle West. It was agreed to by the full meeting of Limerick City and County Council on the 28th November 2016.
The ballot box was opened today in the Newcastle West District Office of Limerick City and County Council, Áras William Smith O'Brien this morning (24th May 2017).
A total of 39 residents and ratepayers were eligible to vote.
The ballot paper stated: “I consent to an application being made for change of the name of “The Square” to “Con Colbert Square”.
Eligible voters were asked to tick the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ box.
Students from sixth class in Scoil Iosaf in the town attended the count. They had made a submission prior to the plebiscite which argued against having the vote.
The result of the plebiscite means the name of The Square in Newcastle West will remain as is.