Leinster
is situated in the eastern part of Ireland. It is surrounded by
Connacht and Munster to the west, Ulster to the north, the Irish Sea
to the east and the Atlantic ocean to the south. It covers an area
of 7,618 square miles and has a population of 1,851,134.
Generally, Leinster has fared better economically than the other
provinces, primarily because Dublin, the historic center of power
and influence in Ireland, is located within its boundaries. It is
the most densely populated province with a population density of 242
per square mile, compared to Connacht with a density of 63 per
square mile.
Within the Eire Nua concept,
Leinster's parliament would be seated in Dublin, the capital. The
parliament would consist of a single chamber of deputies elected by
the people of the province according to a system of proportional
representation. The function of the parliament would be to 1)
coordinate cultural activity and economic development within its
regions, 2) initiate and promote legislation for the social,
economic and cultural development, 3) coordinate the development of
third-level education, and 4) collect taxes.
In order
to maximize the concept of devolved government, Leinster would
include within its geographic boundary four clearly defined regions,
namely, the Midlands, South Leinster, East Leinster and Greater
Dublin. Each region would be administered by a regional board
consisting of 1) representatives of district councils from within
the region, and 2) expert representatives appointed by the
provincial parliament. These regional boards would be responsible for
administering the criminal justice system and for establishing,
promoting and coordinating their own social, economic and cultural
programs.
Within
each region, clearly defined districts would be established. The
Midlands would have six, South Leinster would have six , East Leinster
would have seven and Greater Dublin would have thirty-two. Each
district, which would have a population of between 10,000 and 40,000
people, would be administered by a district council. District
councils would be responsible for 1) primary and secondary education,
2) public works and local planning, 3) welfare
and social services and 4) recreational development.