A full recount of votes is underway in the Galway West constituency.
The recount was requested by Fine Gael candidate Fidelma Healy-Eames after the tenth count, when only 56 votes separated her from party rival Sean Kyne.
At this stage, two candidates had already been deemed elected - outgoing Fianna Fáil minister Éamon Ó Cuív and Labour's new candidate, Derek Nolan.
However, they cannot be declared as elected until the count is complete.
It is understood that Fine Gael is questioning how Ms Healy-Eames received only three votes in a Renmore box on the city's east side, where she would have expected to poll well.
It is expected that outgoing Independent TD Noel Grealish and Fine Gael's Brian Walsh will be returned, with a battle for the fifth seat between Mr Kyne, Ms Healy-Eames and Independent councillor Catherine Connolly.
Former marine minister Frank Fahey lost his seat on the seventh count, but said he had put in one of the best campaigns ever. He said he intended to help to rebuild Fianna Fáil.
The recount began at 6.30pm, and it expected to continue into tomorrow.
