ELECTIONS LATEST: Counting of votes to commence shortly in three electoral areas in Offaly

The ballot papers for the Birr, Edenderry and Tullamore local electoral areas have just arrived from the sorting and verification centre in Birr. 

The count centre is located at Mucklagh Community Centre on the outskirts of Tullamore.

Candidates and their teams are also arriving at the centre at present in anticipation of a long night.

The Returning Officer, Monica Cleary is presiding over the count which will run into Sunday.