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For more information on this release:
E-mail: Demography@cso.ie James Hegarty (+353) 21 453 5429 Caroline Barrett (+353) 21 453 5485
For general information on CSO statistics:
information@cso.ie (+353) 21 453 5000 On-line ISSN 2009-5226
CSO statistical release, , 11am

Population and Migration Estimates

April 2018

   Year ending
 April 2017April 2018
Immigration84,60090,300
Emigration64,80056,300
Net migration19,80034,000
of which Irish nationals-3,400100
Natural increase33,10030,500
Population change52,90064,500
 
Population4,792,5004,857,000

Population growth of 64,500 in the year to April 2018, the largest annual increase since 2008

Figure 1 Migration
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The number of immigrants to the State in the year to April 2018 is estimated to have increased by 6.7% from 84,600 to 90,300 while the number of emigrants declined over the same period, from 64,800 to 56,300 (-13.1%). These combined changes have resulted in net inward migration for Ireland in 2018 of 34,000, the highest level of net inward migration since 2008. See table 1.

Irish nationals experienced net inward migration for the first time since 2009, rising to +100 in 2018 from -3,400 the previous year.  Net inward migration among non-Irish nationals remained strong, increasing from 23,200 in 2017 to 33,900 in 2018.  See table 2.

The number of births in the period was 61,200 while the number of deaths was 30,700, resulting in a natural increase of the population of 30,500.  See table 1.

The combined effect of natural increase and positive net migration resulted in an overall increase in the population of 64,500 bringing the population estimate to 4.86 million in April 2018.  See table 1.

 
Other main features of the 2018 figures are: 

  • Of the 90,300 people who immigrated to Ireland in the year to April 2018, 28,400 (31.5%) were estimated to be Irish nationals. See table 2.
  • Of the 56,300 people who emigrated from Ireland in the year to April 2018, 28,300 (50.3%) are estimated to be Irish nationals. This represents a decrease of 2,500 (-8.1%) on the year to April 2017 when 30,800 Irish nationals left to live abroad.  See table 2.
  • Non-Irish nationals from outside the EU continued to display strong migration flows, accounting for 30,900 (34.2%) of total immigrants and 10,000 (17.8%) of total emigrants. See table 2.
  • In April 2018, 49,200 (61.7%) of immigrants aged 15+ had a 3rd level qualification. See table 5.
  • In the year to April 2018 20,100 immigrants arrived to live in Ireland from the UK, 11,400 emigrants left Ireland to live in the UK. See table 3.
  • In April 2018, there were 593,600 non-Irish nationals resident in Ireland accounting for 12.2% of the total population. See table 9.
Table 1 Components of the annual population change, 1987 - 2018
Year ending AprilComponents of Population change
BirthsDeathsNatural increaseImmigrantsEmigrantsNet migrationPopulation changePopulation
  '000
198761.232.229.017.240.2-23.05.93,546.5
198857.831.626.219.261.1-41.9-15.83,530.7
198953.631.022.626.770.6-43.9-21.23,509.5
199051.932.819.133.356.3-22.9-3.73,505.8
199153.131.122.033.335.3-2.019.93,525.7
199252.831.421.440.733.47.428.83,554.5
199350.430.420.034.735.1-0.419.63,574.1
199449.132.616.630.134.8-4.711.83,585.9
199548.431.217.231.233.1-1.915.43,601.3
199648.832.016.739.231.28.024.83,626.1
199750.731.719.044.525.319.238.23,664.3
199852.731.221.546.028.617.438.83,703.1
199953.732.421.248.931.517.338.53,741.6
200054.032.121.852.626.626.047.93,789.5
200155.130.224.859.026.232.857.73,847.2
200258.129.328.866.925.641.370.03,917.2
200360.828.931.960.029.330.762.63,979.9
200462.028.633.358.526.532.065.34,045.2
200561.427.933.584.629.455.188.64,133.8
2006 161.227.034.2107.836.071.8106.04,232.9
200766.628.438.2151.146.3104.8142.94,375.8
200873.028.044.9113.549.264.3109.24,485.1
200975.328.646.773.772.01.648.34,533.4
201077.228.448.841.869.2-27.521.44,554.8
201175.127.747.553.380.6-27.420.14,574.9
201273.228.744.557.383.0-25.718.84,593.7
201369.429.839.662.781.3-18.721.04,614.7
201468.429.239.266.575.0-8.530.84,645.4
201566.429.936.575.970.05.942.34,687.8
2016 265.429.835.682.366.216.251.84,739.6
2017 363.930.833.184.664.819.852.94,792.5
2018 361.230.730.590.356.334.064.54,857.0
1 Up to and including 2005, the annual population estimates are on a de facto basis. From 2006 onwards the concept of usual residence is used.
2 Census of Population 2016.
3 Preliminary.
Table 2 Estimated Migration classified by Sex and Nationality, 2012 - 2018
Year ending April / NationalityImmigrants Emigrants Net Migration
20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2 20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2 20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2
  '000
Persons
Irish20.121.722.826.628.427.428.4 49.748.345.042.537.130.828.3 -29.6-26.6-22.2-16.0-8.8-3.40.1
UK3.94.14.25.05.96.17.3 6.76.75.85.65.24.04.1 -2.9-2.5-1.6-0.50.72.13.2
Rest of EU1537.98.89.410.211.410.811.6 6.97.26.36.05.76.76.8 1.01.53.14.25.64.14.8
EU1347.78.311.112.213.210.912.2 9.08.27.67.16.89.67.1 -1.30.23.55.16.41.35.0
Rest of world17.719.819.021.923.629.430.9 10.710.910.28.811.413.710.0 7.18.88.813.112.315.720.8
Total persons57.362.766.575.982.384.690.3 83.081.375.070.066.264.856.3 -25.7-18.7-8.55.916.219.834.0
 
Males
Irish9.110.59.911.914.414.114.1 27.625.123.421.817.416.313.7 -18.5-14.7-13.5-9.9-3.0-2.20.4
UK2.02.32.02.53.33.33.8 3.63.22.72.62.22.11.7 -1.6-1.0-0.7-0.11.11.22.1
Rest of EU1533.64.44.34.65.25.25.4 3.63.32.92.82.43.53.1 0.01.11.41.82.81.72.3
EU1343.23.84.95.56.85.65.5 4.44.03.73.53.05.13.8 -1.1-0.21.22.03.80.51.6
Rest of world9.611.39.711.211.514.515.7 6.85.95.65.26.07.34.0 2.85.44.16.05.57.211.7
Total persons27.532.330.935.741.242.744.5 45.941.638.335.831.034.226.4 -18.4-9.3-7.4-0.110.18.518.2
 
Females
Irish11.011.212.914.713.913.314.3 22.123.221.620.719.714.614.6 -11.1-12.0-8.7-6.1-5.8-1.3-0.3
UK1.81.92.22.52.62.83.5 3.23.43.12.93.01.92.4 -1.3-1.6-0.9-0.5-0.40.91.1
Rest of EU1534.34.35.15.66.25.66.2 3.33.93.43.23.33.13.7 1.00.41.72.42.82.42.5
EU1344.54.66.16.76.45.36.7 4.64.23.93.63.84.53.3 -0.10.42.23.12.60.83.4
Rest of world8.28.49.310.712.114.915.1 3.95.04.63.65.46.56.0 4.33.44.77.16.88.59.1
Total persons29.730.435.640.241.241.945.8 37.139.736.634.135.130.630.0 -7.3-9.3-1.06.06.011.315.8
1 Census of Population 2016.
2 Preliminary.
3 Rest of EU 15: countries before enlargement on 1 May 2004, (i.e. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Portugal).
4 EU13: defined as 10 countries that joined the EU on 1 May 2004 (i.e. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia), along with Bulgaria and Romania who joined on 1 January 2007 and Croatia who joined on the 1 July 2013.
Table 3 Estimated Migration classified by Sex and Country of Origin/Destination, 2012 - 2018
Year ending April / Origin/DestinationImmigrants  Emigrants  Net Migration
20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2 20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2 20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2
  '000
Persons
UK10.111.713.516.418.218.720.118.120.016.416.614.412.111.4-8.0-8.3-3.0-0.23.86.68.6
Rest of EU 15310.211.611.711.914.715.114.913.710.514.813.313.912.912.3-3.61.1-3.2-1.40.92.22.6
EU 13410.110.710.811.911.912.211.09.213.08.05.99.39.76.50.9-2.32.86.02.72.54.5
Australia 5.46.05.45.86.97.17.217.414.19.26.55.35.34.5-12.0-8.1-3.8-0.71.61.82.7
Canada1.71.92.22.73.13.22.52.84.94.36.63.43.73.9-1.1-3.0-2.1-3.9-0.3-0.5-1.4
USA5.34.04.44.45.35.47.38.25.76.35.15.76.55.8-2.8-1.7-1.9-0.7-0.4-1.11.5
Rest of world 14.516.718.622.822.222.827.413.713.216.015.914.214.611.90.93.52.66.98.08.215.5
Total persons57.362.766.575.982.384.690.383.081.375.070.066.264.856.3-25.7-18.7-8.55.916.219.834.0
 
Males
UK4.96.06.58.19.59.810.210.110.78.47.67.66.55.0-5.2-4.6-2.00.51.83.35.2
Rest of EU 1534.15.85.24.96.87.17.66.74.06.64.75.75.94.7-2.51.7-1.40.21.11.22.9
EU 1345.25.25.26.06.36.55.04.77.04.83.74.35.23.00.6-1.80.42.32.01.32.1
Australia 3.13.92.73.13.63.73.710.27.14.43.22.52.82.6-7.2-3.3-1.7-0.11.10.91.1
Canada1.01.11.31.51.71.71.11.82.43.04.71.72.12.1-0.8-1.3-1.7-3.30.0-0.4-1.0
USA2.81.51.51.72.42.53.44.43.13.02.32.84.33.0-1.6-1.5-1.5-0.6-0.4-1.80.4
Rest of world 6.48.88.610.411.011.413.58.17.38.19.56.47.46.0-1.71.50.50.94.64.07.4
Total males27.532.330.935.741.242.744.545.941.638.335.831.034.226.4-18.4-9.3-7.4-0.110.18.518.2
 
Females
UK5.15.77.08.38.78.99.98.09.48.09.06.85.66.5-2.8-3.6-1.0-0.71.93.33.4
Rest of EU 1536.05.86.57.07.98.17.37.16.48.28.78.27.07.6-1.0-0.7-1.7-1.6-0.31.1-0.3
EU 1344.85.65.65.95.65.85.94.56.03.12.25.04.53.60.3-0.52.43.70.71.32.4
Australia 2.32.12.72.73.33.43.47.17.04.83.32.82.51.9-4.8-4.8-2.1-0.60.50.91.6
Canada0.70.81.01.21.51.51.41.12.51.31.81.71.61.8-0.3-1.7-0.4-0.6-0.3-0.1-0.4
USA2.62.52.92.72.92.93.93.82.63.32.82.82.22.8-1.2-0.1-0.4-0.10.00.71.1
Rest of world 8.27.910.012.411.211.413.95.65.97.96.47.87.35.82.62.12.16.03.44.28.1
Total females29.730.435.640.241.241.945.8 37.139.736.634.135.130.630.0 -7.3-9.3-1.06.06.011.315.8
1 Census of Population 2016.
2 Preliminary.
3 Rest of EU 15: countries before enlargement on 1 May 2004, (i.e. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Portugal).
4 EU13: defined as 10 countries that joined the EU on 1 May 2004 (i.e. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia), along with Bulgaria and Romania who joined on 1 January 2007 and Croatia who joined on the 1 July 2013.
Table 4 Estimated Migration classified by Sex and Age Group, 2012 - 2018
Year ending April / AgeImmigrants  Emigrants  Net Migration
20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2 20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2 20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2
  '000
Persons
0 - 146.67.66.59.89.98.810.69.511.110.211.410.28.26.3-2.9-3.5-3.6-1.6-0.30.64.2
15 - 2416.920.021.818.318.218.624.126.023.921.817.318.316.212.5-9.1-3.90.01.1-0.12.411.6
25 - 4426.427.731.640.044.747.144.238.537.137.435.531.334.528.3-12.1-9.4-5.94.513.512.515.9
45 - 644.54.43.24.17.17.88.36.87.63.34.34.64.47.8-2.3-3.2-0.1-0.22.53.40.5
65 and over2.93.03.43.62.42.33.32.11.72.21.51.71.41.50.71.31.12.10.70.91.8
Total persons57.362.766.575.982.384.690.383.081.375.070.066.264.856.3-25.7-18.7-8.55.916.219.834.0
 
Males
0 - 142.83.52.65.15.04.15.44.65.84.56.04.74.22.8-1.8-2.4-1.9-0.80.3-0.22.6
15 - 247.610.310.37.48.08.611.413.612.010.96.59.57.95.5-6.0-1.6-0.60.8-1.50.75.9
25 - 4413.414.615.019.423.124.121.822.719.220.319.613.918.213.7-9.3-4.6-5.3-0.39.25.98.1
45 - 642.12.41.42.24.04.74.24.13.81.92.92.23.03.7-2.0-1.4-0.5-0.71.81.70.5
65 and over1.61.51.61.71.11.11.70.90.80.80.80.70.80.60.70.70.80.90.40.31.1
Total males27.532.330.935.741.242.744.545.941.638.335.831.034.226.4-18.4-9.3-7.4-0.110.18.518.2
 
Females
0 - 143.94.13.94.74.94.75.15.05.25.75.55.54.03.5-1.1-1.1-1.8-0.8-0.60.81.6
15 - 249.39.711.511.010.210.012.712.411.910.910.78.88.36.9-3.1-2.20.60.31.41.75.7
25 - 4413.013.116.620.621.623.022.415.817.917.115.817.416.414.6-2.9-4.8-0.54.84.36.67.8
45 - 642.42.01.82.03.13.14.02.73.81.41.42.41.44.0-0.3-1.80.40.50.71.70.0
65 and over1.21.51.81.91.31.21.61.20.91.50.71.00.50.90.10.60.31.20.30.60.7
Total females29.730.435.640.241.241.945.8 37.139.736.634.135.130.630.0 -7.3-9.3-1.06.06.011.315.8
1 Census of Population 2016.
2 Preliminary.
Table 5 Estimated Migration (aged 15 and over) classified by Sex and Education Attainment, 2012 - 2018
Year ending April / Education AttainmentImmigrants Emigrants Net Migration
20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2 20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2 20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2
  '000
Persons
Higher secondary and below16.117.215.117.718.016.818.428.232.223.520.120.020.212.8-12.1-14.9-8.4-2.4-2.0-3.45.6
Post leaving cert33.72.43.92.78.73.78.86.05.75.43.33.62.44.0-2.4-3.3-1.4-0.65.11.34.8
Third level428.232.035.137.242.448.649.234.929.930.131.025.527.926.5-6.82.14.96.216.820.722.7
Not stated2.73.45.88.63.46.83.44.32.55.74.26.86.16.6-1.60.90.14.4-3.40.7-3.3
Total persons50.655.160.066.172.475.879.873.570.264.858.655.956.650.0-22.8-15.2-4.87.516.519.229.8
 
Males
Higher secondary and below9.79.47.69.09.79.211.315.616.013.410.710.711.26.5-6.0-6.5-5.8-1.8-1.1-2.04.8
Post leaving cert32.31.22.10.95.22.75.75.03.73.02.41.91.72.1-2.8-2.4-0.9-1.53.31.03.6
Third level411.817.216.016.819.623.820.218.414.514.814.411.213.911.0-6.62.71.32.48.49.99.2
Not stated1.01.02.53.91.72.91.92.31.62.62.32.53.14.0-1.3-0.7-0.11.6-0.8-0.2-2.1
Total males24.828.828.330.636.238.639.141.435.733.929.926.330.023.6-16.6-7.0-5.60.79.98.715.6
 
Females
Higher secondary and below6.57.87.58.78.47.67.112.516.210.19.49.39.06.4-6.1-8.4-2.6-0.6-1.0-1.40.8
Post leaving cert31.41.21.81.73.41.13.11.02.02.30.81.70.82.00.4-0.9-0.50.91.80.31.1
Third level416.414.819.120.422.824.729.016.615.415.416.614.413.915.5-0.2-0.63.73.88.410.813.5
Not stated1.72.43.34.71.73.81.52.00.83.11.94.33.02.6-0.31.60.22.8-2.60.9-1.1
Total females25.926.331.635.536.337.240.7 32.134.530.928.729.626.626.4 -6.2-8.20.76.86.610.614.2
1 Census of Population 2016.
2 Preliminary.
3 Technical or Vocational, Advanced Certificate or Diploma.
4 Third level degree or above.
Table 6 Estimated Migration (aged 15 and over) classified by Sex and Principal Economic Status1, 2012 - 2018
Year ending April / Principal Economic StatusImmigrants Emigrants Net Migration
20122013201420152016 22017 32018 3 20122013201420152016 22017 32018 3 20122013201420152016 22017 32018 3
  '000
Persons
At work23.926.225.632.041.142.148.734.431.224.728.123.526.627.9-10.4-5.00.93.917.615.520.8
Unemployed10.68.87.76.810.15.79.016.614.810.58.05.85.76.5-6.1-6.0-2.8-1.14.30.02.5
Student8.213.018.417.313.115.49.317.517.224.817.519.918.69.4-9.3-4.2-6.4-0.2-6.8-3.2-0.1
Other7.97.08.39.98.212.512.85.07.04.95.06.85.66.23.00.03.54.91.56.96.6
Total persons50.655.160.066.172.475.879.873.570.264.858.655.956.650.0-22.8-15.2-4.87.516.519.229.8
 
Males
At work12.615.213.716.122.823.828.318.816.112.316.012.315.613.3-6.1-0.91.40.010.58.315.0
Unemployed6.25.73.34.25.14.04.912.010.46.85.03.34.14.2-5.8-4.7-3.5-0.81.8-0.10.6
Student3.77.29.58.45.88.62.49.07.412.77.89.57.63.6-5.3-0.3-3.10.6-3.61.0-1.2
Other2.30.81.71.92.52.13.51.71.92.11.01.32.62.40.6-1.1-0.40.91.2-0.51.1
Total males24.828.828.330.636.238.639.141.435.733.929.926.330.023.6-16.6-6.9-5.60.79.98.715.6
 
Females
At work11.311.111.916.018.318.320.415.615.212.312.111.211.114.6-4.3-4.1-0.53.97.17.25.7
Unemployed4.43.14.42.65.01.74.24.74.43.72.92.51.62.3-0.3-1.30.7-0.32.50.11.9
Student4.55.88.88.97.26.86.98.59.812.19.710.411.05.8-4.0-3.9-3.3-0.8-3.2-4.21.1
Other5.76.26.68.05.710.49.23.35.22.84.05.53.03.72.41.13.84.00.27.45.5
Total females25.926.331.635.536.337.240.732.134.530.928.729.626.626.4-6.2-8.20.76.86.610.614.2
1 As a person's principal economic status can change over the course of the year, for immigrants this refers to their current status, while for emigrants it is their status in the period prior to departure.
2 Census of Population 2016.
3 Preliminary.
Table 7 Estimated Population classified by Sex and Age Group, 2012 - 2018
Sex and Age GroupPersons in April of each year
20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2
  '000
Persons
0 - 4 years358.2353.0345.4337.9331.4324.6319.3
5 - 9 "325.3333.0342.1349.3355.3359.1356.9
10 - 14 "304.5307.9310.1314.4318.9323.3332.6
15 - 19 "281.5284.4290.6296.1301.2308.5316.2
20 - 24 "285.1278.9276.6275.5273.5276.3289.3
25 - 29 "341.5321.8305.9298.7296.7292.4291.1
30 - 34 "394.0391.4382.5369.2360.3347.9335.8
35 - 39 "365.2366.8371.6379.8388.1394.6398.3
40 - 44 "334.6341.0347.4353.0356.5363.1369.9
45 - 49 "307.7310.1312.6317.0324.9333.1341.2
50 - 54 "278.2282.8289.2295.2298.4303.3306.7
55 - 59 "248.0251.1255.7260.6268.2274.0279.9
60 - 64 "219.9223.2226.4230.8236.5242.3246.5
65 - 69 "181.6190.0197.2203.6208.0211.3215.8
70 - 74 "133.1138.7144.4150.8159.9169.2177.7
75 - 79 "103.9106.4109.1112.2114.2116.8121.9
80 - 84 "71.573.476.178.880.582.985.1
85 years and over59.860.762.764.967.369.773.0
Total persons4,593.74,614.74,645.44,687.84,739.64,792.54,857.0
 
Males
0 - 4 years182.7180.0176.0172.4169.7166.1163.3
5 - 9 "166.4170.7175.1178.5181.4183.1182.1
10 - 14 "156.3157.1158.4160.9163.1165.5170.5
15 - 19 "144.3145.9149.1152.0154.4157.6161.2
20 - 24 "141.5140.1139.4139.9138.4140.4147.3
25 - 29 "163.4154.7147.2143.7145.2144.3145.2
30 - 34 "193.3190.7184.9177.0172.5166.3161.1
35 - 39 "182.3182.7183.8186.9190.6192.7193.1
40 - 44 "168.0170.9172.9175.0177.2180.1183.2
45 - 49 "153.0154.4156.1158.4162.5166.2170.2
50 - 54 "138.3140.6143.4146.1147.7150.1152.0
55 - 59 "123.8125.1127.2129.3133.1135.9138.6
60 - 64 "110.1111.5112.9115.0117.7120.5122.4
65 - 69 "90.694.998.5101.2103.4104.8106.8
70 - 74 "64.667.470.473.678.482.987.4
75 - 79 "47.849.250.752.453.555.157.6
80 - 84 "29.630.832.634.134.936.237.5
85 years and over19.019.320.321.423.024.326.2
Total males2,275.02,286.12,299.02,317.72,346.52,372.12,405.8
 
Females
0 - 4 years175.4173.1169.3165.6161.7158.5156.0
5 - 9 "159.0162.3167.0170.8173.9176.0174.7
10 - 14 "148.3150.8151.6153.6155.7157.8162.1
15 - 19 "137.2138.5141.4144.1146.9151.0155.0
20 - 24 "143.6138.8137.3135.6135.1135.9142.0
25 - 29 "178.1167.1158.7155.0151.5148.2145.9
30 - 34 "200.8200.6197.6192.2187.8181.6174.8
35 - 39 "182.9184.2187.8192.9197.5201.9205.2
40 - 44 "166.6170.1174.4178.0179.3183.0186.7
45 - 49 "154.7155.7156.5158.6162.4166.9171.0
50 - 54 "139.9142.2145.8149.1150.8153.2154.6
55 - 59 "124.2126.0128.5131.3135.1138.2141.3
60 - 64 "109.8111.7113.4115.9118.7121.8124.1
65 - 69 "91.095.198.7102.3104.5106.4108.9
70 - 74 "68.571.374.077.281.686.390.2
75 - 79 "56.157.258.459.760.761.764.2
80 - 84 "41.942.543.544.745.546.647.6
85 years and over40.841.442.443.544.445.346.8
Total females2,318.72,328.52,346.42,370.12,393.12,420.42,451.3
1 Census of Population 2016.
2 Preliminary.
Table 8 Estimated Population classified by Sex, Age Group and Regional Authority Area1, April 20182
Sex and Age GroupStateBorderDublinMid-EastMidlandMid-WestSouth-EastSouth-WestWest
  '000
Persons
0 - 4 years319.326.589.250.022.229.827.844.529.4
5 - 9 "356.930.792.159.124.134.932.250.633.0
10 - 14 "332.629.781.255.122.933.631.247.231.5
15 - 19 "316.227.980.949.621.132.229.344.930.2
20 - 24 "289.322.488.840.017.029.124.241.726.1
25 - 29 "291.119.9108.436.615.925.222.338.824.1
30 - 34 "335.823.8117.245.819.729.426.345.428.2
35 - 39 "398.329.4127.158.923.936.232.255.734.9
40 - 44 "369.928.8106.957.722.435.331.953.133.8
45 - 49 "341.227.991.854.221.134.130.849.432.0
50 - 54 "306.726.478.946.719.331.728.545.629.6
55 - 59 "279.924.373.139.917.429.326.442.027.6
60 - 64 "246.522.262.233.915.326.723.137.325.9
65 - 69 "215.820.153.928.713.124.120.433.022.6
70 - 74 "177.716.544.023.310.520.017.227.618.4
75 - 79 "121.911.331.914.96.913.511.918.612.7
80 - 84 "85.17.922.99.64.99.38.113.29.0
85 years and over73.07.219.98.13.78.06.611.08.5
Total persons4,857.0402.81,370.5712.2301.4482.4430.4699.6457.7
 
Males
0 - 4 years163.313.545.425.611.415.314.322.814.9
5 - 9 "182.115.847.030.012.317.916.525.717.0
10 - 14 "170.515.441.628.211.717.316.124.016.2
15 - 19 "161.214.341.025.610.816.215.023.015.3
20 - 24 "147.311.644.720.58.715.012.421.113.5
25 - 29 "145.210.053.518.17.912.911.119.512.3
30 - 34 "161.111.456.821.69.314.212.421.913.6
35 - 39 "193.114.262.128.111.717.515.526.917.0
40 - 44 "183.214.352.928.311.217.715.726.516.6
45 - 49 "170.213.945.327.010.617.215.424.815.9
50 - 54 "152.013.138.223.49.815.814.022.814.9
55 - 59 "138.612.135.219.98.814.713.121.013.6
60 - 64 "122.411.129.616.97.813.611.618.713.0
65 - 69 "106.810.225.614.26.712.210.216.511.4
70 - 74 "87.48.420.611.65.39.98.513.69.4
75 - 79 "57.65.714.37.23.36.45.78.76.2
80 - 84 "37.53.69.44.32.24.23.75.84.2
85 years and over26.22.76.92.91.52.92.43.93.1
Total males2,405.8201.2670.2353.4151.1240.8213.8347.1228.1
 
Females
0 - 4 years156.012.943.724.410.814.513.521.714.4
5 - 9 "174.714.945.129.111.817.015.724.916.1
10 - 14 "162.114.339.726.911.216.315.223.215.3
15 - 19 "155.013.739.924.010.316.014.321.914.9
20 - 24 "142.010.844.119.58.314.111.820.712.6
25 - 29 "145.99.954.918.57.912.311.219.311.8
30 - 34 "174.812.460.424.310.415.213.823.614.7
35 - 39 "205.215.265.030.712.218.616.728.818.0
40 - 44 "186.714.554.029.511.217.616.226.617.2
45 - 49 "171.013.946.427.110.516.915.424.716.1
50 - 54 "154.613.340.623.39.515.914.522.814.7
55 - 59 "141.312.237.919.98.614.613.221.013.9
60 - 64 "124.111.132.517.17.413.211.418.513.0
65 - 69 "108.99.928.414.56.411.910.216.511.1
70 - 74 "90.28.223.411.75.310.18.613.99.0
75 - 79 "64.25.617.67.73.67.16.210.06.5
80 - 84 "47.64.313.55.32.75.14.47.44.9
85 years and over46.84.513.05.22.25.14.27.15.4
Total females2,451.3201.6700.3358.8150.3241.6216.5352.5229.6
1 The composition of the NUTS regions changed in 2016 and took effect for the population estimates from 2018. Data from 2011 to 2017 has also been revised to reflect these changes. Please see background notes of this release for additional information.
2 Preliminary.
Table 9 Estimated Population classified by Sex and Nationality, 2012 - 2018
Year ending April / NationalityPopulation
20122013201420152016 12017 22018 2
  '000
Persons
Irish4,046.64,080.74,117.64,152.94,189.14,225.94,263.5
UK111.8109.2107.1105.7105.7107.7110.8
Rest of EU15351.053.256.960.364.969.073.7
EU134232.7234.5242.8247.8249.4250.3255.0
Rest of world151.6137.1121.0121.1130.4139.6154.1
Total persons4,593.74,614.74,645.44,687.84,739.64,792.54,857.0
 
Males
Irish2,003.22,019.42,036.02,052.12,071.42,089.72,109.0
UK56.155.054.153.654.255.357.3
Rest of EU15324.325.827.628.431.333.035.3
EU134116.8117.5121.5123.5123.5124.0125.6
Rest of world74.768.459.860.166.170.078.6
Total males2,275.02,286.12,299.02,317.72,346.52,372.12,405.8
 
Females
Irish2,043.42,061.32,081.62,100.82,117.72,136.12,154.5
UK55.754.153.052.251.652.453.5
Rest of EU15326.727.429.331.933.535.938.4
EU134115.9117.0121.3124.2125.9126.3129.4
Rest of world76.968.761.261.064.469.675.5
Total females2,318.72,328.52,346.42,370.12,393.12,420.42,451.3
1 Census of Population 2016.
2 Preliminary.
3 Rest of EU 15: countries before enlargement on 1 May 2004, (i.e. Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Portugal)
4 EU13: defined as 10 countries that joined the EU on 1 May 2004 (i.e. Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta,
Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia), along with Bulgaria and Romania who joined on 1 January 2007 and Croatia who joined on the 1 July 2013.

Background Notes

Coverage

The reference period for the population estimates is mid-April of each year. The migration flows are in respect of the twelve months to mid-April of the corresponding years, as are the births and deaths. The usually resident population classified by age and sex for 2016 are taken from the Census of Population.

Usual residence population concept

For the purpose of this release the population concept of usual residence has been used, i.e. all persons usually resident and present in the State on census night plus absent persons who are usually resident in Ireland but are temporarily away from home and outside the State on census night. All persons are classified according to their region of usual residence.

Migration Definitions

Immigration - means the action by which a person establishes his or her usual residence in the State for a period that is, or is expected to be, of at least 12 months, having previously been usually resident in another Member State or a third country.

Emigration - means the action by which a person, having previously been usually resident in the State, ceases to have his or her usual residence in the State for a period that is, or is expected to be, of at least 12 months.

Source of Migration data

The principal source of information for the estimation of the gross annual migration flows is the Irish Labour Force Survey (LFS), which also provides the basis for the classification of the flows by sex, age group, origin/destination and nationality.

The migration estimates are compiled with reference to movements in other migration indicators such as the number of Personal Public Service (PPS) numbers allocated to non-Irish nationals and new registrations with the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).  The number of visas issued to Irish nationals to a number of destinations including Australia, USA and Canada are compared with the emigration data collected by the LFS.  In addition, data on National Insurance numbers (equivalent to PPS numbers) issued to Irish nationals in the UK is referenced.  Mirror statistics measuring the flows of Irish nationals to/from the EU28 are also examined.

The release also provides estimates of immigration and emigration by educational attainment (Table 5) and principal economic status (Table 6), based on responses in the LFS.  The principal economic status question refers to persons aged 15 years or over and is a self-perception question, i.e. people are classified according to how they perceive their situation.

As with all breakdowns of migration (by age, nationality, origin and destination), the breakdown by educational attainment and principal economic status should be considered broadly indicative given the relatively small sample sizes associated with these flows. In addition, as a person's principal economic status can change over the course of a year (and to a lesser extent their educational attainment), for immigrants these two tables refer to their status in the quarter prior to the April of the year in question, while for emigrants it is their status in the period prior to departure.

Calculation of annual population estimates

The annual population estimates for mid-April are calculated by trending forwards the previous Census of Population data. For example, the base population data for estimating the April 2017 figure was the number of males and females in each region by single year of age and nationality as established by the 2016 Census. From this base, each person was aged by one year, births for the period were added and deaths were subtracted. The estimated number of immigrants was then added and the number of emigrants was subtracted. Allowance was also made for estimated inter-regional migration in arriving at the final 2017 figures.

The end result of this overall process provided the population estimate for April 2017 which in turn will provide the base population for the subsequent year and so on. The population estimates are subject to revision once the definitive results of the next census become available.

The population by nationality estimates are made possible by trending forwards the previous Census of Population and incorporating gross migration flows by nationality based on responses in the LFS. Allowance is also made for the non-Irish nationals who acquire citizenship certificates over the period in question. The number of births by nationality is estimated using the distribution of the nationality of births as recorded in the 2016 Census, while deaths by nationality are also estimated based on recent census results using the nationality distribution of the population by five year age groups.

Natural Increase

The General Registration Office (GRO) supplies registered data for births and deaths and these are typically added to the population file quarterly in arrears (N+1).

Internal migration

By examining a person's usual residence at the time of a census and one year previously it is possible to determine inter-regional migration patterns. Following each Census a new internal migration matrix is produced and used to measure inter-censal internal migration. Internal migration for the year to April 2018 takes account of the Census 2016 results.

Nationality

All persons with Irish nationality or citizenship are classified under the category "Irish" in table 9 (Estimated population classified by sex and nationality).

The Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service provide annual data for persons who acquire Irish citizenship. The availability of the citizenship data for year N is N+2 and so estimates for 2018 and subsequent years will be achieved by trending forward the rates noted for the most recent year available.  Therefore, for the purpose of the 2018 release the 2016 distribution of citizenship acquisitions was applied.

 

 Citizenship Certificates issued
  2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
UK 85 55 51 54 98
Rest of EU 15 75 91 149 145 170
EU 13 1,265 1,615 2,725 2,921 3,058
Rest of World 23,685 22,482 18,177 10,443 6,712
Total 25,110 24,243 21,102 13,563 10,038

 

NUTS2 and NUTS3 Regions

The Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) were created by Eurostat in order to define territorial units for the production of regional statistics across the European Union. In 2003 the NUTS classification was established within a legal framework (Regulation (EC) No 1059/2003).

As the administrative territorial breakdown of EU Member States is the basis of the NUTS classification, changes made under the 2014 Local Government Act prompted a revision to the Irish NUTS 2 and NUTS 3 Regions. These changes included the amalgamation of the local authorities of Tipperary North and South, Limerick City and County Councils and Waterford City and County Councils. In addition three Regional Assemblies were established (Northern & Western, Southern, Eastern & Midland).

The main changes at NUTS 3 level are the transfer of South Tipperary from the South-East into the Mid-West NUTS 3 region and the movement of Louth from the Border to the Mid-East NUTS 3 Region. There are now three NUTS 2 Regions which correspond to the Regional Assemblies established in the 2014 Local Government Act and are groupings of the new NUTS 3 Regions. The revisions made to the NUTS boundaries have been given legal status under Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/2066. The new NUTS 2 and NUTS 3 structure and classification are displayed in the table below:

NUTS2 Code
NUTS 2 Name
NUTS3 Code
NUTS 3 Name
 County 
IE04
Northern & Western
IE041
Border
Donegal
Sligo
Leitrim
Cavan
Monaghan
IE042
West
Galway
Mayo
Roscommon
IE05
Southern
IE051
Mid-West
Clare
Tipperary
Limerick
IE052
South-East
Waterford
Kilkenny
Carlow
Wexford
IE053
South-West
Cork
Kerry
IE06
Eastern & Midland 
IE061
Dublin
Dublin
IE062
Mid-East
Wicklow
Kildare
Meath
Louth
IE063
Midlands
Longford
Westmeath
Offaly
Laois

 

 

 

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