Waterford local election latest with frontrunners emerging in council race

Tallies are well underway in the Waterford local election counts with frontrunners emerging in a number of LEAs. 

In Tramore-Waterford City West, Fine Gael's Lola O'Sullivan is leading the way with over 17% of the votes tallied, around 80%, at 2pm on Saturday. Cllr Joe Kelly is second with almost 12% of the vote with Cllr Joe Conway, Mayor of Waterford City sitting just below 11%.

Independent candidate Donal Barry is flying in the Waterford City South area on almost 18% of the vote. His closest rival as of Saturday lunchtime tallies is John Hearne (SF) on 13.4%. Sinn Féin also have Joeanne Bailey above 10% in the same area while Jason Murphy (FF is tallying at 12.4%. 

In Dungarvan, Conor McGuinness (SF) is out in front on over 16% of the votes tallied. Around two thirds of the boxes have been opened at the time of writing.

Independent David Daniels is blazing a trail in the City East area while another Independent, Declan Barry, is chasing him with 15% of the votes.

In Lismore, Fine Gael are tallying strongly with almost 30% of the vote, Labour are just below 18%, Fianna Fail at almost 17%, Independents at 16.5% and Sinn Féin on 15.1%. 

Counting will begin officially in the afternoon to fill 32 seats on Waterford County Council. 

A total of 79 candidates contested the local elections in Waterford. Successful candidates will be elected to one of six Local Electoral Areas on the local authority - Dungarvan (6 seats), Lismore (3 seats), Portlaw - Kilmacthomas (5 seats), Tramore - Waterford City West (6 seats), Waterford City East (6 seats) and Waterford City South (6 seats).