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The Central Statistics Office (CSO) is today, Friday 18 October, calling on people to take the last chance to complete the Census Pilot Survey 2024. There are just seven days left to make history by being among the first people in Ireland to test a census form online.
The Census Pilot Survey will close next Friday, 25 October. Everyone can have the chance to take part, even if you are not living in the selected Census Pilot areas.
The online form can be filled in using a mobile phone, tablet, laptop, or PC. It is possible to save the answers at any stage and come back and complete it later. We are particularly encouraging anyone who has already requested an online access code but have yet to finish the survey to take this last opportunity to complete it.
So far, more than 80% of people who completed the form online have done so in one session, taking an average of 20 minutes per 2 person household and an average of 28 minutes per 4 person household. A further 15% filled in the form over two sessions, with the remainder taking three or more sessions.
More than 90% of people who have completed the survey have done so online, while paper forms are nearing 10% of returns. There has also been a strong response from outside of the areas chosen for the pilot. We need as many people as possible to help us by completing the survey and to provide us with feedback which is crucial as we plan for Census 2027.
Once the closing date has passed, the next step for the CSO is to analyse all the information which will tell us how the new questions worked and how well the online form performed. The public feedback will be an important part of this. A report on the Census Pilot Survey will be published in 2025.
The Census Pilot Survey is currently taking place in 44 locations across six counties - Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Mayo, and Offaly. These were selected as they broadly represent the people living in Ireland and include a mix of urban and rural locations. Maps of the areas selected to take part are available to view on censuspilot.ie.
As with all previous Census Pilot Surveys, the CSO will test new and changed questions ahead of Census 2027. This is to ensure the census accurately reflects our changing society. New questions on this Census Pilot Survey include:
These new questions, as well as updates to existing census questions, are the result of a public consultation on the potential content of the Census 2027 form. Once the responses are analysed, they will be used to guide the final recommendations of the Census Advisory Group. The final content of the Census 2027 form will be subject to Government approval. A report on the Census Pilot Survey will be published in 2025.
The Census Pilot Survey is part funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
| Kathleen Goulding | (+353) 1 895 1413 |
|---|---|
| Tony Downes | (+353) 1 895 1319 |
| censuspublicity@cso.ie | |
| pressoffice@cso.ie |
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Statistician’s Comment
Eileen Murphy, Head of Census Digital Transformation, said: “Already, we are gaining great insights from the Census Pilot Survey. This is a historic new departure for the census in Ireland and we have had a great response from the public. Thank you for helping us by completing either the online or paper form and giving your valuable and honest feedback. We will use what we have learned to make Census 2027 as easy as possible for everyone.
Census Pilot Survey field staff are finishing on Friday, 25 October and I would like to encourage anyone who has not yet completed their form to do so now. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our field staff for their dedication and hard work.
Our telephone helpdesk remains available at 1800 2024 09, and people can also contact us through our website, censuspilot.ie, if they need help or have any questions until the closing date of 25 October.”