The votes are being counted to fill two vacant Dáil seats. In Galway West, the vacancy arose after former Independent TD Catherine Connolly became President, while the Dublin Central contest follows the departure of former Fine Gael TD Paschal Donohoe.
Polling stations were open from 7am until 10pm yesterday, although turnout in both constituencies was lower than at the most recent general election.
In Galway West, turnout reached 45%, down from 58% recorded two years ago. Maigh Cuilinn saw the strongest voter participation at 59%, while Renmore recorded the lowest turnout at 36%.
Dublin Central reported a turnout of 39%, compared with 52% in 2024. Drumcondra recorded the highest turnout in the constituency at 52%, while the north inner city saw participation fall to just 25%.
A total of 17 candidates are contesting the Galway West seat, with the race expected to be highly competitive. Fine Gael senator Seán Kyne, Independent Ireland councillor Noel Thomas, Labour councillor Helen Ogbu and Social Democrats candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich are all considered strong contenders.
In Dublin Central, 14 candidates are seeking election. Sinn Féin councillor Janice Boylan and Social Democrats councillor Daniel Ennis are among those expected to perform strongly as counting continues.
Counting is now under way at the Galway Lawn Tennis Club and Dublin’s RDS, with first-count results not expected until after midday. Final results are likely to emerge either later tonight or tomorrow.
