l Experts have warned that Ireland’s current level of childcare services are not fit for purpose given Ireland’s growing young population. In order to deal with an increasing number of children, the government will need to invest more money in children’s healthcare, crèche facilities and the building of additional schools.


l An increasing life expectancy and low death rate means an increase in the number of people claiming pensions. In order to pay for this, the government will have to consider broadening or increasing its taxes, reducing pensions or increasing the retirement age.


Investigation of the Irish Census


Te Irish census takes place in Ireland every five years and provides the government with information on population growth, population density and population change. Te 2016 census is the most recent to have taken place.


Te 2016 census told us that Ireland’s population has grown significantly since 2011. Tis is as a result of a natural increase and led to a natural increase despite a net migration of –28,558. During this period, Ireland experienced a fertility rate of 2.1 births per fertile woman – the highest in the EU during that period. As birth rates were higher than death rates, the population naturally increased. Te high level of economic growth experienced until 2008 also saw a large number of immigrants from Eastern European countries come to Ireland, many of whom stayed even during the economic downturn experienced from 2008 onwards.


Number of 80-year-olds in 2011 128,000 57.9 years


Female life expectancy in 1926


88.5 years


Female life expectancy in 2046


Number of 80-year-olds in 2046 484,000 Increase in labour force by 2046 300,000


Many of the Leinster counties have experienced significant population increases since the 2011 census, especially counties within the Dublin commuter zone. Te population of counties such as Kildare, Meath, Louth and Wexford grew by over 5 per cent between 2011 and 2016. Much of this increase occurred as lower housing prices attracted families to settle in these locations and commute to work in Dublin rather than live in Dublin itself. County Dublin experienced the largest increase, with its population growing by more than an average of 6.1 per cent in five years. Much of this increase has occurred as more people have moved to Dublin in search of employment during the economic


) Fig. 1.32 In the 2016 Census of Ireland, the largest increase in population was in Co. Dublin.


Facing the facts: The future of Ireland 57.4 years


Male life expectancy in 1926


85.1 years


Male life expectancy in 2046


860,700 1.4m


Number of over 65-year-olds by 2026


100,300


Number of over 65-year-olds by 2046


: Fig. 1.31 The future of Ireland’s population Change


0%–2% <0%


4%–6% 2%–4%


>6%


Increase in the number of children at primary school age by 2021


POPULATION CHANGE OVER TIME AND SPACE


27


Elective 5: Human CHAPTER 1


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