Census to show highest population since 1871

Results of the next census will show the Irish population is at its highest level for over 130 years, it was predicted today.

Results of the next census will show the Irish population is at its highest level for over 130 years, it was predicted today.

Donal Garvey, Director General of the Central Statistics Office, said the population for April 2006 could be as high as 4.2 million once the results of Census 2006 are collated. This would be the highest since 1871, when the recorded population was 4.1 million.

Around 1.5 million forms are to be sent to homes around the country in advance of this year's census, which takes place on Sunday, April 23rd.

According to the CSO, the vensus differs from previous years in containing questions on fertility, ethnic and cultural background and voluntary activities.

In addition to core demographic items such as population numbers and ages, previous censuses have covered questions on topics such as commuting patterns, level of education, existence of disability and access to the Internet.

The census, which is the first since 2002, will cost around €50 million. Around 5,000 temporary staff are being employed to carry it out, including 4,500 enumerators. Enumerators earn on average €2,200 for their work.

The form will be available in 11 different languages other than Irish and English. It is translated into 16 languages on the CSO website. It will also be available in large print, braille and as an audio version for the visually impaired.

Everybody who is in the country on census night must be included in the form, including people staying with friends or relatives, staying in a hospital, hotel, hostel guesthouse, on board a vessel or in other circumstances.

Census 2002 showed the population of Ireland was 3,917,336, up eight per cent on the figure for 1996. It also revealved the net inward migration of 25,500 per annum between 1996 and 2002 was nearly twice the average during the 1970s. It was also substantially greater than the rate recorded in the early 1990s. It is expected to be even higher this year.

The population of Ireland has risen by roughly 500,000 in the past decade. Around ten per cent of the population are now non-Irish nationals.

Speaking at the announcement of details of the survey at Government Buildings today, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern described it as a "snapshot in time" that was taking place at a pivotal time in Irish history, when the country was experiencing unprecedented demographic and social change due to the high level of immigration.

"The census gives us a picture of who we are and how we live, right here and now," Mr Ahern said. "In many ways, it is also a window to the future. It gives us important insights into how we, as policy makers, need to work and plan to meet the needs of a rapidly changing and growing population."

He said the census was the "backbone" of the State's body of statistics that were essential for planning how best to provide for the population. "It is the only survey that can provide an up-to-date and comprehensive 'picture' of the entire population at national, regional and local level," the Taoiseach said.

Mr Garvey stressed the CSO was fully independent and all information would be treated in strictest confidence. No other Government Department or Agency has access to identifiable information relating to individuals or households, he added.

Preliminary results will be published within three months of Census Day, with final results made available within two years.