Counting will begin at 9am today (avec le décalage c'est vendredi) although early tallies should give a clear indication of the likely final result by lunchtime - unless the gap between the two sides is very tight.

Results from each of the 43 constituencies will be notified as they are completed to the Dublin Castle referendum count headquarters and a final result should be complete between 3.30pm and 5pm.

If there is a difference between the Yes and No sides of fewer than 10,000 votes, there will be a total recount in all constituencies and a result declared by 9pm, the Department of the Environment has said.