There are calls for the gates of Dublin Castle to be opened for the result of the same-sex marriage referendum.

Fianna Fail Dublin City councillor Paul McAuliffe says regardless of the result on Saturday, members of the public should be allowed into the courtyard of the castle to be present when the decision is announced.

Councillor McAuliffe has written to the Minister for the Office of Public Works, Simon Harris, asking him to do so.

"One of the most striking things about this campaign has been the huge number of people with no affiliation to any political party that have got involved in a political debate for the first time," he said.

"It is only right that they are given a place to gather and hear the results as they come in".

While votes will be counted in centres around the country, the official result will be declared in St Patrick's Hall of Dublin Castle by the National Returning Officer.

Councillor McAuliffe says the historic nature of the occasion should warrant an opening of the gates.