Central Statistics Office Ireland

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Census

 

Historical perspective

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  • › 1841 - The first major census, using a household form, was the so-called Great Census of 1841.
  • › 1911 - Censuses were subsequently taken at 10 year intervals up to 1911.
  • 1926 - The first census following the formation of the State was undertaken in 1926.

› 1936-46 - This was followed by censuses in 1936 and 1946.

› 1951 - Commencing with 1951, censuses have been undertaken at five yearly intervals.

  • › 1976 - The census planned for 1976 was cancelled at a late stage as a Government economy measure.
  • › 1979 - However, the need for up-to-date population figures resulted in a census being specially undertaken in 1979 with a restricted number of questions.
  • › 1981 - This was followed by a full census in 1981. Two censuses 24 months apart should merit a mention for Ireland in the Guinness Book of Records!
  • › 2001/2002 - The census was originally due to take place during April 2001. However it was postponed until 2002 due to the foot and mouth disease situation at that time.
  • › 2006 - The most recent census was carried out in 2006.

Central Statistics Office, Skehard Road, Cork, Ireland.
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Contact Census : Locall 1890 236 787 | e-mail: census@cso.ie