Turnout in a sample of polling stations in the first few hours in Galway West is highest in Moycullen, Westside and the Aran Islands.
With poiling stations open from 7am, voters were up and about early on the Islands — the first time that they have voted simultaneously with the rest of the constituency on a by-election in the history of the State.
On previous occasions, island voters went to the polls a few days earlier and the votes were transferred by boat and garda escort to the mainland.
In a sample of GW polling stations, Moycullen also features highly in early turnout — a factor to be expected given that there is a cluster of candidates in that area, such as Noel Thomas, Sean Kyne and Tom Welby.
Westside also reported a five per cent turnout by 9.30.
The Advertiser will be brining you turnout figures throughout the day and full election coverage here and on social media from Saturday morning.
Counting at the Galway Lawn Tennis Club commences Saturday morning - and parking in the area will be compounded by the Galway v Kildare All-Ireland SFC fixture at Pearse Stadium tomorrow night.
