Referendums: Voter turnout picks up as 10pm closing time looms

A slight uptick in the number of voters turning out at polling stations for the day's two referendums has been reported around the country.

Voters are having their say on two proposed amendments to the Constitution, relating to the definition of the family and care within the home.

Polling stations opened at 7am, with low turnout rates noted in the morning, with an average turnout of 10 per cent in some areas before lunchtime.

However, the afternoon has seen that rate increase in various counties, climbing to an average of between 18 and 20 per cent in Kildare, Clare and Tipperary.

South Monaghan appears to be among the areas with a stronger turnout, with an estimated average of 25 per cent.

The averages of Kerry, Meath, Wicklow, Dublin city and county, and Cork county are all estimated to be in the region of 10 to 12 per cent, while turnouts in western and Border counties has been reported as being low across the board.

Polling stations will remain open until 10pm.