The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has released preliminary results from this year's census, taken on 3 April 2022, showing the population of the Republic of Ireland is at its highest (as recorded in a census) since 1841.
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| CSO: Population by county percentage increase, 2016-2022 |
The total number of individuals – 5,123,536, – is based on initial counts from more than 5,000 enumeration areas. Some 2,593,600 females and 2,529,936 males were recorded, reflecting a total increase of 7.6% since the last census in 2016.
The population increase of 361,671 was made up of a natural increase (births minus deaths) of 171,338 and estimated net inward migration (population change minus natural increase) of 190,333.
In contrast to Census 2016, when three counties (Mayo, Sligo, and Donegal) had a fall in their population, all counties recorded population growth over the past six years, with Longford experiencing the highest level at 14%, with Meath (12.9%), Kildare and Fingal (both 11%) also growing strongly.
The lowest population increases (each with 5%) were in Counties Donegal, Kilkenny, Kerry and Tipperary).
The population increase of 361,671 was made up of a natural increase (births minus deaths) of 171,338 and estimated net inward migration (population change minus natural increase) of 190,333.
The full results from Census 2022 will be released next year.
Work has commenced on preparations for Ireland's next census, which will be held in 2027. This will include an online response option for the first time.
