The High Court today set the date for hearing case by Mayo Fine Gael TD Mr Michael Ring challenging the constitutionality of the dual mandate.
Mr Ring's case will be heard on January 28th next. The TD said he welcomed the fact the High Court has fixed a date for the hearing but declined to make any further comment.
The Local Government Bill was signed into law by the President, Mrs McAleese, on June 2nd and means TDs and senators will no longer be able to serve on local authorities after the local elections in June 2004.