Late surge sees poll turnout near 57%

A late surge saw turnout nationally in the local and European parliament elections approach an estimated 57%, one percentage below the 2009 figure and 9% less than the 68% recorded in the last general election.

There were wide variations, however. Voting was particularly brisk in Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Donegal, and Wicklow.

Voting in parts of Cork City and in Tipperary looked set to exceed 60% while turnout in some rural constituencies in the south of the country and in parts of Dublin is expected to be less than 50%.