Press Statement Census Pilot Survey 2024 - Make History this Weekend in Dublin

Response to Date

So far, forms and feedback have been completed on mobile phones, laptops/desktops, and tablets, with an almost 50/50 split between mobile phones and laptops/desktops. A smaller number of people used a tablet. Using a range of devices to complete the form will help us evaluate the online option more widely ahead of Census 2027. We have also had a number of paper forms returned to us.

From next week, Census Field Support Officers (formerly known as enumerators) will visit homes in the selected areas to tell people about the Census Pilot Survey and encourage them to take part. They will be wearing a yellow high-viz vest clearly branded as Census and will be carrying official CSO ID cards which you should ask to see. 

Thank you to everyone in Dublin who has already completed forms and given feedback. We couldn’t do this without you.

Statistician’s Comment

Eileen Murphy, Head of Census Administration, said: “We greatly appreciate the forms and feedback returned so far. As we get closer to Census Pilot Survey Day which takes place this Sunday, we are asking the people of Dublin to please give us your help and support by taking part. We cannot do this without you. By taking the time to complete the Survey, you will give us essential feedback on your experience of the online or paper form and whether the questions are understood.

Our phone line, 1800 202409, and website, censuspilot.ie, are available for you to contact us if you need help to take part.

Traditionally, the purpose of a pilot census has been to test new and changed questions for the next census. In the case of this Census Pilot Survey, not only will the Survey help us test new questions, it also has the added importance of testing an online option for the first time in history of the Irish census.”

About the Census Pilot Survey

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 are 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:

• where a household’s car/s is/are parked overnight to gather insights on potential placement of electric chargers
• whether your gender is the same or different to the sex recorded at birth
• sexual orientation
• how you would self-report your mental health.

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).