The town councils of Athlone and Mullingar were also abolished.

County Westmeath was divided into three local electoral areas (LEAs) to elect councillors for a five-year term of office on the electoral system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote (PR-STV).

Fianna Fáil emerged as the largest party after the elections as both government parties suffered at the polls.

Labour lost two-thirds of their Councillors being reduced to just 2 seats while Fine Gael also lost 3 seats.

Sinn Féin won seats on the council for the first time, 3 in total, and were joined by 2 Independents.