This is when we can expect results in the two bye-elections in Galway West and Dublin Central

Voting is taking place in two Irish bye-elections for the Dublin Central and Galway West constituencies, with polling stations open from 7 am to 10 pm on May 22. The electorate in Dublin Central has decreased by nearly 6,000 since the 2024 general election, dropping from 63,190 to 57,619 after duplicate, emigrated, or deceased names were removed from the register. Galway West’s electorate also fell by 234 to 103,479. The Dublin Central seat became vacant when former Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe resigned in November to join the World Bank. Fourteen candidates are contesting the seat, while 17 candidates are running in Galway West following Catherine Connolly’s election as President of Ireland. This marks the fourth time a bye-election has been triggered by a Teachta Dála (TD) moving to Áras an Uachtaráin, the presidential residence. Voters must bring valid identification, though a polling card is not mandatory. For the first time, islanders from Inishbofin, Inis Mór, Inis Meáin, and Inis Oírr will vote simultaneously with the mainland, with their ballots transported to Salthill for counting alongside 196 other boxes. Dublin Central’s results are expected Saturday evening, while Galway West’s may not be announced until Sunday. The drop in registered voters reflects administrative updates by An Coimisiún Toghcháin, Ireland’s electoral commission. Both elections aim to fill the vacancies left by Donohoe and Connolly, ensuring continued representation in the Dáil Éireann.