Counting in the Galway West byelection has resumed, with Independent candidate Noel Thomas holding a lead over Fine Gael's Seán Kyne.

After nine counts, Thomas has 14,694 votes, around 300 more than Kyne's 14,369.

The outcome is still uncertain, with Fine Gael hoping Kyne will benefit from transfers in the final count.

The seat is expected to be decided by the transfers of Labour candidate Helen Ogbu, who trails in third with 9,063 votes.