There are three seats up for grabs in Limerick county and four in Limerick city, with the latter now also comprising parts of rural Co Limerick and Co Clare.

Areas in west Limerick that were sent to north Kerry in 2011 are now part of the county constituency, with not one Limerick TD elected during this brief arrangement.

The farming issues

Part of the fertile Golden Vale, Limerick, is home to some of the best farmland in Ireland. However, the land in west Limerick is heavier and a lot of it is classed as severely disadvantaged. Dairying is the main enterprise in the county, and good milk prices are critical. There are approximately 5,000 drystock holdings, and a small but significant poultry sector. Again, income supports will come first and foremost.

The rural issues

Farmers in Limerick have been affected by the recent flooding. Crime, previously notorious in the city, is another issue on the minds of many. The death of John O’Donoghue, who suffered a heart attack after discovering intruders at home, has heightened fears.

The usual concerns over broadband, jobs and access to services and also apply in Limerick. Pallas Foods, a big employer in the area, is developing a new depot on the east coast and it is feared jobs will be lost. On the social side, overcrowding at Limerick Regional Hospital is of particular concern as is the housing crisis for those commuting to jobs in the city.

Proposals of a gasification plant in Gortadroma is causing huge upset. The site was previously a landfill, but it is believed that the county council has leased it to build the new plant. Then there’s the new motorway – it’s the first time a major motorway will be going through the county and farmers dealt with compulsory purchase orders will have to be treated fairly.

Who will get elected?

In Limerick county, Fianna Fáil’s Niall Collins, part of a well-known political dynasty, is expected to be re-elected along with Fine Gael’s Patrick O’Donovan. The latter was elected to the county council in 2003 at just 25 years of age.

Popular TD Dan Neville (FG) – who worked very hard to raise awareness of suicide and mental health – has retired. His son Tom, who is a county councillor, will run in his place and may be under pressure to keep his father’s seat. Independent Emmett O’Brien, former Fianna Fáil member, is running a very visible campaign and may be the dark horse in the race.

Meanwhile, in Limerick city, expect popular veterans Michael Noonan (FG) and Willie O’Dea (FF) to be returned. Labour’s Jan O’Sullivan and Fine Gael’s Kieran O’Donnell are both under pressure, while established councillor Maurice Quinlivan of Sinn Féin is seen as a favourite to win a seat.

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power for Limerick county

Niall Collins (Fianna Fail) 1/80

James Heffernan (Social Democrats) 10/1

Richard O'Donoghue (Ind) 80/1

Emmett O'Brien (Ind) 1/4

Seamus Browne (Sinn Fein) 33/1

Mark Keogh (DDI-NCM) 100/1

Patrick O'Donovan (Fine Gael) 2/7

Alexander Cosgrave (Green Party) 80/1

John O'Gorman (Ind) 100/1

Tom Neville (Fine Gael) 4/9

Odds courtesy of Paddy Power for Limerick city