Voter turnout in Mayo is relatively slow so far - but expected to get much busier later

Voter turnout numbers in Mayo up to lunchtime in general election day is reported to be relatively slow so far.

Only nine per cent of the electorate have turned up at polling stations in Castlebar up to lunchtime while over 13% of voters have cast their franchise in Mayo Abbey, Ballinrobe and the Valley, Achill.

The polling station at St. Padraig NS, Westport, has recorded a 12.5% turnout.

However, it is expected to get busier over the coming hours as stations remain open until 10 p.m.

A total of 112,000 people are entitled to vote in Mayo as 16 candidates are bidding for five seats.

Up to 70,000 of those are expected to cast their votes and counting gets underway at the TF Royal Theatre, Castlebar, at 9 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday).

A first count will be completed by Saturday evening.