Today


Despite Ireland experiencing economic recession once again, there were over 66,240 births in 2014. However, this number is a decrease on the 74,650 births recorded in 2011. Combined with this, Ireland has one of the lowest death rates in the world, at 6.4 per 1,000, well below the EU average of 9.7 per 1,000.


Population of the Republic of Ireland 1841–2011


0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7


) Fig. 1.29 Population dynamics of Ireland


Changing Structure of Ireland’s Population


Ireland’s population pyramid is stationary, with a blocky shape; however, it narrows significantly in the age bracket 15–29. Tis is due to high levels of emigration among 18–30-year-olds during the economic recession and it also coincides with a low fertility rate of just 1.9 in 2,000, well below the replacement rate. Ireland’s population pyramid is slightly different from typical stationary pyramids. Te younger age groups, especially in the 0–4 and 5–9 age brackets show a significant increase, coinciding with our average birth rate being above the EU average. Tere are two main explanations for this occurring in Ireland:


Ireland – 2014 Male


90–94 95–99 100+


70–74 75–79 80–84 85–89


10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–49 50–54 55–59 60–64 65–69


0–4 5–9


210 168 126 84 42


Population (in thousands)


0 0 42 84 126 168 210 Age group : Fig. 1.30 Population pyramid of Ireland


Population (in thousands)


Female


l Te economic recession of 2008–13 led to an increase in unemployment. Couples in which both people previously worked outside the home, may have decided it was the right time to start a family.


l Te second reason is related to the high level of young adults who migrated to Ireland during the Celtic Tiger. Tis increased the number of women of child-bearing age in the country and hence led to an increase in births.


Implications of the Population Pyramid for Ireland’s Governments


From looking at the shape of Ireland’s population pyramid, there are two main implications for future governments:


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ELECTIVE 5 PATTERNS AND PROCESSES IN THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT


1841 1851 1861 1871 1881 1891 1901 1911 1926 1936 1946 1951 1956 1961 1966 1971 1979 1981 1986 1991 1996 2002 2006 2011


Population (millions)


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