The referendum on the abolition of the Seanad has been defeated by 42,500 votes.

The unlikely result was announced at Dublin Castle at 4.20pm by national returning officer Riona Ni Fhlanghaile.

Some 51.8 per cent of the electorate has rejected the proposition to scrap the Upper House with 48.2 per cent voting in favour.

Of the 1,226,374 valid votes cast, 591,937 were in favour and 634,437 votes were against the proposal, a margin of 42,500 votes.

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/seanad-to-be-retained-after-government-loses-referendum-1.1551657

The current Irish government had argued it cost too much to run and that its abolition could have saved Irish taxpayers as much as 20m euros a year.

Opponents wanted it retained and reformed, saying it played an essential role in holding governments to account.
...
Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny had claimed the abolition of the Seanad would create a leaner, more effective and more accountable system of government.

Opponents, led by the largest opposition party Fianna Fáil, said the Seanad wass necessary to serve as a government watchdog and to hold cabinet ministers to account.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24404157