Twelve offshore islands will cast their votes in the European and local elections just one day ahead of the rest of the State. Photograph: Cyril Byrne

Twelve offshore islands will cast their votes in the European and local elections today, just one day ahead of the rest of the State.

Residents of five islands in Donegal South-West, three in Mayo and four in Galway West will vote today, while those living on seven islands in the Cork South-West constituency will vote tomorrow.

The registered electorate on some offshore islands had been required to vote up to three and four days ahead in previous plebiscites. Bone of contention This had been a bone of contention for Comhdhl Oilain na hireann (the Irish Islands Federation), given improved transport services and communications.

The Department of the Environment, which had previously argued that returning officers need to provide for possible adverse weather conditions said there was no policy change yesterday.

Rather, it said the timing of the European Parliament elections has influenced the dates, as voting must take place within a specified period. Under rule 48 of the Second Schedule of the European Parliament Elections Act 1997, returning officers are only given one days leeway in allowing for island residents.

Former Fianna Fil minister amon Cuv, who held Cabinet responsibility for the islands, has tabled a Bill seeking to amend electoral law in line with this approach.

His Electoral Amendment (number 2) Bill aims to abolish the provision allowing elections to be held on the offshore islands before the date on the mainland.

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Islands vote just one day ahead in European and local elections