TODAY’S CENSUS results are expected to show that the population has reached its highest level in 150 years, despite increased emigration.
The last census in 2006 showed that the population had reached 4.2 million, the first time since 1871 that it had risen above the 4 million mark.
This year’s census – based on forms collected last April – is expected to show that the population has grown further still and is likely to be in the region of 4.4 to 4.5 million.
While the Central Statistics Office has not commented on the figures due to be published, its most recent population estimates are that the population increased by more than 200,000 between 2006 and 2010.
However, the census results will give the most accurate picture of the population as it stands.
While population growth was high in 2006 – driven by inward migration and a high birth rate – it is estimated to have slowed considerably since the economic downturn.
Despite large numbers leaving the State, officials believe Ireland’s very high birth rate means the population has continued to grow.
Latest official figures show there were some 73,724 births last year, down slightly from 74,278 the year before. Ireland was estimated to have the highest birth rate in the European Union in 2009.
These figures have helped offset population decreases as a result of emigration.
A report from the Economic and Social Research Institute earlier this year predicted that up to 60,000 would leave Ireland between April 2010 and April 2011. The bulk of those figures are made up of migrant workers returning home.
Today’s preliminary census results will give an overall figure for the population as it stood on Sunday, April 10th of this year.
They are based on summary counts for each enumeration area which were compiled by almost 5,000 census staff, or “enumerators”. These forms were returned to the CSO in advance of the census forms themselves.
Further detailed information from the actual census forms will be released as it becomes available from April next year.
As well as standard information about respondents’ marital status, ethnic background and religion, the census asked two new questions.
These related to the level of proficiency in spoken English and health.
The CSO says data from the language question will be used to target State resources in areas such as education and health to support people who may struggle with English.
The answers to health will provide officials with a State-wide picture of people’s health and how it is related to various factors such as age.
