Counting of votes in bye-elections to get under way

After weeks of campaigning, the first boxes in the Galway West and Dublin Central bye-elections will open at 9am.

The bye-elections are being held to fill the Dáil seats vacated by former Independent TD and now President Catherine Connolly, and former Fine Gael TD Paschal Donohoe.

Voting took place between 7am and 10pm yesterday.

In keeping with trends, turnout in both bye-election constituencies was below levels seen in the most recent general election.

In Galway West, the final turnout stood at 45% compared to 58% two years ago, with a high of 59% in Moycullen and a low of 36% in Renmore.

In Dublin Central turnout was 39% compared to 52% in 2024, with a high of 52% in Drumcondra and a low of 25% in the north inner city.

A total of 17 candidates are on the ballot in Galway West, with the only poll of the campaign suggesting a tight race among a number of candidates.

Fine Gael senator Sean Kyne, Independent Ireland councillor Noel Thomas, Labour councillor Helen Ogbu and Social Democrats candidate Mide Nic Fhionnlaoich are predicted to be among those in contention.

In Dublin Central,14 candidates are competing, with Sinn Féin councillor Janice Boylan and Social Democrats councillor Daniel Ennis among those expected to poll well.

After the first boxes are opened at the Galway Lawn Tennis Club and the RDS in Dublin, a first count is not expected until after midday, with final results likely either tonight or tomorrow.

An Coimisiún Toghcháin piloted a new initiative in both constituencies where people could take a sticker to show that they had cast their ballot yesterday.

The stickers 'I'm a Voter' or 'Is Vótálaí mé' were available in eight polling stations in Dublin Central and one in Galway West, in Knocknacarra.