Mayo town on course for voting record

VOTING turning in Mayo at 6 p.m. this evening averaged 40 per cent.

A 44 per cent turnout was reported at Scoil Padraig, Westport, with 40 per cent at St. Patrick’s NS, Castlebar, and 39 per cent at Ballina Boys N.S. The rural turnout was estimated at 41 per cent.

Close to a thousand voters in the Louisburgh area had been encouraged in a special way to come out and exercise their democratic right and vote.

Louisburgh Community Futures canvassed local people to come out in tribute to the volunteers of 1916 who paid such a high price for the right to vote 100 years ago.

On his Facebook site this evening, Mayo Fine Gael Deputy Michael Ring praised the Louisburgh initiative.

'I am also pleased to hear that the turnout in other areas of Mayo is very good too,' he added.