Turnout patchy in by-elections
Turnout in the Meath and Kildare North by-elections was reported to be patchy by this lunchtime.
Voting has been described as slow in Meath, with some polling stations in the south of the county failing to reach 10% so far and the Slane area reporting just 5% turnout.
The numbers voting in former Taoiseach John Bruton's home town of Dunboyne are also reported to be exceptionally low.
In Kildare North, meanwhile, some areas have reported a low turnout so far, while others have reported a steady flow of voters.
Official estimates put the turnout in the constituency so far at between 6% and 9%.
Seven candidates are battling it out in Meath for the Dáil seat vacated by Mr Bruton following his appointment as EU Ambassador to the United States.
In Kildare North, meanwhile, eight candidates are vying for the seat formerly held by Charlie McCreevy, who is now Ireland's member of the European Commission.
The polls opened at 7am and are due to close at 10pm.
Both constituencies are populated by large numbers of commuters who work in Dublin, so voting is expected to pick up later in the evening.
