Dublin Central is a parliamentary constituency represented in Dáil ÃÂireann, the lower house of the Irish parliament or Oireachtas. The constituency elects four deputies (TeachtaàDála, commonly known as TDs) on the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (PR-STV).
Dublin Central is regarded as one of the most social and ethnically diverse constituencies in Ireland. It contains Dublin's main shopping district and financial areas. The constituency consists of largely traditional working class areas such as East Wall, North Strand, Summerhill, Ballybough, Sheriff Street and Cabra with more suburban middle class Glasnevin and Lower Drumcondra on the northern fringes of the constituency.
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern won the first seat in the constituency at every election from its creation in 1981 until his retirement in 2011. It was a highly competitive constituency with the Labour Party, Sinn Féin and left-wing independents such as Tony Gregory drawing much support. Fianna Fáil has not been represented in the constituency since the 2011 general election.
A Dublin Central constituency was created for the first time in 1969 and used at the 1969 and 1973 general elections. It originally spanned both sides of the River Liffey and took in inner city Dublin. It was abolished in 1977, and recreated with different boundaries in 1981. It is now exclusively on the northside of the Liffey. The Dublin Central constituency is located in the north inner city and suburbs of Dublin and encompasses an area to the north side of the river Liffey including: Stoneybatter, Mountjoy Square, Phibsborough, Cabra, Dorset Street, Henrietta Street, O'Connell Street, Arbour Hill, Navan Road, Glasnevin, North Wall, East Wall and Drumcondra.
The Electoral (Amendment) Act 2023 defines the constituency as:
Following the death of independent TD Tony Gregory, a by-election was held on 5 June 2009. It was won by Independent candidate Maureen O'Sullivan.
Fianna Fáil TD George Colley died on 17 September 1983. The writ of election was moved by Fianna Fáil TD Bertie Ahern on 2 November and was agreed by the Dáil. The by-election was held on 23 November 1983 and was won by Fianna Fáil candidate Tom Leonard.