Population exceeds 3.9 million
The population of the State increased by over 290,000 persons between 1996 and 2002 to reach its highest level since 1871, according to Census 2002 - Preliminary Report published today.
The preliminary total for the population enumerated on census night 28 April 2002 was 3,917,336 persons, compared with 3,626,087 in April 1996, representing an increase of 8 per cent in six years.
Populations of Kildare and Meath increased by over a fifth
The populations of Kildare (+29,003) and Meath (+24,204) both increased by over a fifth between 1996 and 2002. Other Leinster counties which showed large increases were Westmeath (+13.8 per cent), Wexford (+11.7 per cent), Laoighis (+10.9 per cent), Louth (+10.5 per cent) and Carlow (+10.2 per cent). Overall, the increase in the population of Dublin was 6.1 per cent - somewhat lower than for the State as a whole.
Cork City was the only administrative county in the State to register a population decline while for the first time on record the population of Leitrim has shown an increase - up 3 per cent since 1996.
Lucan fastest growing small area
At Electoral Division level, Lucan-Esker recorded the highest increase in intercensal population - its population almost trebled since 1996 to reach 21,785 in 2002.
Net immigration of 150,000 since 1996
Since the foundation of the State, net inward migration has been recorded in only three intercensal periods, namely: 1971-1979; 1991-1996; and the most recent period. On an annual average basis the net inward migration of 25,500 per annum between 1996-2002 was almost twice the average recorded during the 1970s and was substantially greater than the rate recorded in the early 1990s.
All counties benefited from the combined effect of inward and internal migration flows during 1996-2002. The greatest gains were recorded in Meath, Kildare, Westmeath, Wexford and Laoighis.
For further information contact CENSUS ENQUIRIES Ireland. LoCall: 1890 313414 Phone: 353-1-4977144 or 353-21-4535000 Extension: 4284, 4285, 4287
24 July 2002
