Voting expected to pick up this evening

Returning Officers at polling stations predict voting will be steady through the afternoon and the evening without the traditional highs and low associated with voting on a normal working day.

Returning Officers at polling stations predict voting will be steady through the afternoon and the evening without the traditional highs and lows associated with voting on a normal working day.

Dundalk has reported between 4-9% turnout in the main booths so far.

Cork is reported to be quiet and Sligo and Leitrim have also been slow.

However, officials in the greater Dublin area say the turnout has been brisk so far and Balbriggan has described the flow as steady.

Voting booths remain open until 9pm.