The number of voters planning on backing the upper house of the Oireachtas has increased, a poll shows

There has been an increase in the number of voters planning to support the retention of the Seanad, a new poll found.

The survey shows more than a third (36%) would vote to keep the upper house in October's referendum - an increase of 2%.

Just under half of the electorate (49%) back the abolition of the Seanad, down 3% since the last poll in June.

The survey by Red C for Paddy Power also shows 15% of voters remain uncertain on how they will vote, up 1%.

The pollsters said the findings will give heart to those trying to save the upper chamber in the Oireachtas.

Historically No vote campaigns harden in referendums seeking a change, as the date of the ballot gets closer and the debate gets stronger.

Once the Don't Knows are removed from the results, 58% support scrapping the Seanad while 42% are against the proposal.

Just over half of the population claim they will be certain to vote in the referendum, with almost nine in 10 likely to turn up at polling stations.

Fine Gael and Sinn Fein supporters are more likely to support the abolition of the Seanad, the poll found.

Fianna Fail and Independent voters are more likely to be in opposition.

PA Media