Local and European elections: Last-minute rush with stations reaching 40% turnout mark

The elections come at a febrile time in Irish politics dominated by discussion on a housing crisis, the cost of living, and migration

Krish Vadivel helps his mother Ramyaa from Passage West cast her vote.

Polls have opened across the country as voting has begun in three highly-anticipated elections.

The public will be electing a swathe of new councillors as well as picking candidates to send to the European Parliament and, for the first time, some voters will be directly electing a mayor to represent them locally.