Directly-elected mayor vote is much closer than previously thought

It's 50/50 for a directly elected Lord Mayor as counting is underway for the plebiscite in City Hall.

Though informal tallies over the weekend predicted a landslide for no, the count is now running far closer than anticipated.

A final result is expected just after lunchtime.

Meanwhile, a recount is underway for the Cork City South-Central ward.

Sinn Fein requested the count after county councillor Eoghan Jeffers was just 12 votes behind independent city councillor Paudie Dineen on one of the final counts.

However, talliers are privately conceding that there will be no significant change in the result and Mr Dineen will take the final seat.

If so, he'll be elected alongside independent Lord Mayor Mick Finn, Fianna Fail's Sean Martin, Sinn Fein's Fiona Kerins, and Shane O'Callaghan.