Absence from Limerick on census night raises questions over population figures for the city.
Questions are being asked about the accuracy of the preliminary census figures for Limerick city. The figures show a population decline of 2.7 per cent, a result that appears to run counter to the recent growth and development in the city. While the Limerick East constituency recorded a modest increase of just over 5,500 people, some local representatives believe the overall figures do not reflect reality.
Former Mayor of Limerick City, Diarmuid Scully, argues that the statistics are inconsistent with factors such as the city’s high birth rate, growing Polish community and increasing housing stock. He has called on the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to review the figures.
One possible explanation put forward is the large number of Limerick residents who travelled to Dublin for the Heineken Cup semi-final between Munster and Leinster, which took place on census night. The CSO has firmly rejected this as a reason for the discrepancy.Diarmuid Scully maintains that many homes were empty that evening.
There were a lot of empty households in Limerick on census night.
John Rochford, chairman of the Munster Supporters Club, said he knew many club members who stayed overnight in Dublin for the match.
Concerns remain that if the Limerick population has been undercounted, the consequences could be significant. Census figures play an important role in determining investment, funding and political representation, meaning any inaccuracies could have far-reaching implications for the city.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 24 July 2006. The reporter is Cathy Halloran.