The first count in Boyle LEA took place earlier.

Longford local election ballot papers will be transported to the count centre in Edgeworthstown shortly, with the count formally commencing at 6pm. 

Three sitting councillors from the Ballinamore area in Leitrim are set to retain their seats, according to a final tally.

26 town centres nationally are set to benefit from funding of up to €200,000 each under the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme.

Boyle LEA has seen the biggest election pool, with 16 people in the race for 6 seats, with 11 in Roscommon looking to fill 6 seats there.

Three councillors, 2 in Longford Town and one in Granard are not seeking re-election leaving close to 30 potential new representatives on the board.

The plant shut in 2008, with the loss of 200 jobs, and has remained vacant ever since.

He said the recent pandemic lockdowns saw a number of operators exiting the market.