Turnout Surges to 50% in Limerick as Presidential Voting Nears End

UPDATE: Voter turnout has surged to nearly 50% at a polling box in Limerick as the Presidential Election reaches its final two hours. Voters across Ireland are making their voices heard, choosing between candidates Catherine Connolly, Heather Humphreys, and Jim Gavin, who remains on the ballot despite suspending his campaign earlier this month.

At the John F Kennedy National School on Ennis Road, turnout was trending in the high 30s just after 7:30 PM this Friday night, but one booth has now reported a turnout of half. This development comes as polling stations across the country prepare to close at 10 PM tonight.

In rural Limerick, polling staff in the village of Dromin anticipate a similar turnout rate of 50% by closing time. Other locations are reporting varying levels of participation: Cappagh National School is currently at 36.3%, while Mungret National School shows an average of 32%.

The city center is seeing lower turnout, with St Michael’s National School recording just 28%. In the Patrickswell area, three booths display turnout figures ranging from 33.5% to 39%. Dooradoyle library indicates that about one-third of eligible voters have cast their ballots, while Our Lady of Lourdes National School stands at 34% and St Brigid’s National School at 37.8%.

As of 6:30 PM Friday, West Limerick’s turnout was reported at around 24%, with Kileely National School showing 30% participation. Meanwhile, turnout at Kilmallock National School was a low 20% by 5:15 PM, raising concerns about voter engagement in that area.

A source at Gaelscoil Sheoirse Clancy in Roxboro reported that turnout has been “very poor,” highlighting a potential challenge for candidates as voting nears its conclusion.

With just hours left until polls close, the urgency is palpable. Election officials are urging eligible voters to make their voices heard and participate in this crucial democratic process. As results start to roll in, all eyes will be on Limerick and the rest of Ireland to see who will emerge as the next President.

Stay tuned for live updates as this story continues to develop.