The Census Pilot Survey 2024 is taking place in selected areas around the country and includes 20,000 homes. The Survey will test a new online response option as well as new questions to prepare for Irelands next census in 2027.
In previous censuses, forms were completed on a defined census night and people filled out the form where you were staying that night. For example in Census 2022, Census night was 3 April. This is called a ‘de facto census’ because it took a snapshot of the whole population on one single night.
This has changed for this Census Pilot Survey and for future censuses including Census 2027. You can now complete your census form (either online or paper) at anytime from the launch of the Survey up to Census Pilot Survey Day (22 September). You don’t have to wait. In addition, you should complete your form where you usually live, your usual residence, even if you are staying somewhere else in Ireland at that time. This is called a ‘Usual Resident’ census.
If you live or intend to live in the Republic of Ireland for 12 months or more and your usual residence is in a Census Pilot Survey area, you should be included on the Census Pilot Survey form.
The following scenarios are to help people who may stay in more than one location on a regular basis and are completing a Census Pilot Survey form.
If a person is expected to be abroad for less than one year, their home in Ireland is their place of usual residence. If the person is expected to be abroad for more than one year, they should not be included on a Census Pilot Survey form.
People who work away from home during the week and return home at weekends
If a person works away from home during the week and returns home at weekends, the family home is their place of usual residence. It doesn’t matter whether the person’s place of work is in Ireland or abroad, their place of usual residence is still the family home.
People who live in more than one place during the year
If a person lives in more than one place during the year, the place where they spend most of the year is their place of usual residence. If they spend equal time at both addresses, they should be included on the form at the place where they are staying on 22nd September 2024.
The place where the child spends most of their time is their place of usual residence. If they spend equal time at both addresses, they should be included on the form at the place where they are staying on 22nd September 2024, if it is in a Census Pilot Survey area.
If a primary or secondary school pupil is away from home during the school term, for example at boarding school, their family home is their place of usual residence. It doesn’t matter how often they return to their family home or if they are studying in Ireland or abroad, their place of usual residence is still the family home.
If a third-level student is away from home while at college or university, their term-time address is their place of usual residence. Their term-time address is their address while they are at college or university.
If your baby was born on or before 22nd September 2024, then their family home is their place of usual residence even if they’re still in hospital. If your baby hasn’t been named yet, please enter “Baby” for their first name, then enter their surname or family name.
If you submitted your form before your baby was born and then they arrived on or before 22nd September 2024, you should complete an Individual Form for the baby.
If a person is away at sea but usually lives in a Census Pilot Survey area, they should be included on the Census Pilot Survey form.
Living in Ireland
If the person returns to their home when they are not at their workplace, their home is their place of usual residence. If they live in a military barracks or camp and do not return home, the barracks or camp is their place of usual residence.
Living abroad for less than 12 months
If the person is living abroad for less than 12 months and intends to return home, their home is their place of usual residence. If they do not have a home, the duty station to which they were attached before leaving is their place of usual residence.
Living abroad for more than 12 months
If the person is living abroad for more than 12 months, they should not be included on a Census Pilot Survey form.
If a person has spent or intends to spend 12 months or more in a hospital, care home or similar place, this address is where they usually live. If they are expected to spend less than 12 months at that address, their home is their place of usual residence.
If a person is staying temporarily at an address and:
Their place of usual residence is where they spend the night of 22nd September 2024.
Visitors
Anyone who is visiting your home on 22nd September 2024 and who usually lives elsewhere in Ireland or abroad should not be included on the Census Pilot Survey form.