The latest census returns, analysed by location intelligence company Gamma, show strong growth in population among most towns in the State with a population of greater than 1,000 despite two years growth being lost to Covid-19.Dublin city, consisting of the four local authority areas, has the largest overall increase in population. Some 90,040 more people live in Dublin than in 2016 bringing the population from 1,173,179 in 2016 to 1,263,219 last year, an increase of 7.6 per cent.
The oldest population of any town, with more than 1,000 residents, is Knock, Co Mayo where the average age is 47. Saggart in Co Dublin and Watergrasshill in Co Cork have the youngest populations. The average age in both places is 30. Overall, 12 per cent of people aged 18 and over are living with their parents, but in some places this percentage is much higher. Ardnacrusha in Co Clare tops the list, with 21 per cent of adults living with their parents. Other towns where the proportion exceeds one in five are Johnstown, Co Kildare; Carragh, Co Kildare; and Dunboyne, Co Meath.