Northern Ireland currently has 18 seats at Westminster

It is understood Belfast's existing four constituencies will be enlarged.

The Boundary Commission is suggesting redrawing the East Antrim constituency as Antrim Coast and Glens, taking in the Glens of Antrim and Ballycastle.

However, the new boundaries are not likely to be introduced before the next general election.

The Boundary Commission could have cut the number of constituencies in the province to 17 by abolishing the smallest, South Belfast.

Instead, it has decided to increase the four Belfast constituencies, which are all below average size, by extending them into outlying areas.

We will be working to ensure that any proposed changes do not distort political representation Francie Molloy Sinn Fein MLA

That has had a ripple effect on some rural constituencies.

To make up for lost areas around Glengormley, it is understood the Commission is suggesting pushing the old East Antrim constituency north.

There are also changes suggested in South Down which would lose Ballynahinch, but gain half of Newry.

BBC Northern Ireland's political editor Mark Devenport said public inquiries are probable because of some of the changes.

That means the changes are unlikely to come into effect until after the general election.

Sinn Fein assembly member Francie Molloy said the party would study the proposals in detail on a constituency by constituency basis and would resist any changes which distorted nationalist representation.

"Given the historic legacy of the Boundary Commission and its role in political gerrymandering we will be working to ensure that any proposed changes do not distort political representation," he said.

SDLP chairperson Patricia Lewsley said her party would consider the recommendations "carefully".