Polling stations in Meath East by-election close as voter turnout doubles

Polling stations in the Meath East by-election have closed.

Voter turnout almost doubled this evening with over 20% of those eligible having cast their vote.

Figures had been slow throughout the day with the later than normal opening of the polling stations and the bad weather being blamed.

11 candidates ran in the by-election, which was called following the death of former Meath East TD Shane McEntee.

Counting of the votes will begin tomorrow morning at 9am with the first result expected around lunchtime.