The synod decided by a narrow margin to accept in principle proposals from the Commission on Episcopal Needs for a radical reorganisation of its dioceses. It decided by 122 votes to 108 to approve proposals for a reduction of Church of Ireland dioceses on the island from 12 to 10.
The commission, chaired by the Bishop of Kilmore, the Right Rev Michael Mayes, proposed that dioceses in the south comprise Dublin and Glendalough, Cashel and Ossory, as they are now, with "Midlands" (working names), `South-West' and "West" dioceses. The five Northern dioceses will remain as they are. The West diocese will include all counties west of the Shannon (except Leitrim) and most of Co Limerick.
Opposition to the proposals came primarily from Bishop Edward Darling, of Limerick, Killaloe and Ardfert, as well as clergy and lay people from the area whose diocese will be shared between the West and South-West. Canon Joe Condell, rector of St Cronan's in Roscrea (in the Limerick, Killaloe, Ardfert diocese) rejecting the proposals said what was envisaged was not so much a diocese of the West as a diocese of the "Rest".
He questioned the natural affinity of the Munster diocese with the West. Dean Maurice Sirr of Limerick said it had taken 15 years to unify its three constituent dioceses.
The Provost of Tuam, Canon Robert McCarthy, described the proposals as "a courageous analysis." There was, he said, "no point in having a bishop for eight parishes", while welcoming Tuam's "charming new bishop". He said that in Tuam, where the issue was concerned, they were somewhat like St Augustine with his "Lord make me chaste, but not yet".