THE population of the Republic has increased by almost 100,000 since 1991, bringing the total to more than 3.6 million for the first time in the history of the State.
Figures from the preliminary report on the 1996 census show that births exceeded deaths by 92,100 in the five years since the last census, giving an average natural increase of 5.2 people per 1,000 per year.
This was the lowest natural increase figure since 1926, reflecting a steadily falling birth rate. Less than 20 years ago, the figure was more than twice this level.
However this lower natural increase was offset by a high level of inward immigration, people returning to or moving to Ireland, compared to high levels of emigration in previous census figures.
The population increased by a total of 95,300, comprising natural increase and inward migration of 3,200. The 2.7 per cent increase resulted in a new total of 3,621,035.
The report was described by the Central Statistics Office director, Mr Gerry O'Hanlon, as a preliminary head count. Three of the four provinces recorded a population increase below the national average, with Leinster accounting for the largest increase.
A detailed analysis of the data collected from 1.2 million households in April will help to identify the factors and trends behind the population increase and is expected to be completed in 1997.
The report shows a predictable increase in the Dublin catchment area, with the commuter belt regions showing a population increase of 6.6 per cent. The Naas urban district in Co Kildare saw an increase of 26.3 per cent since 1991.
More surprising was a 12.3 per cent increase in the population of the Galway city area, boosting its claim as the fastest growing city in Europe. The county boroughs of Limerick and Cork had small decreases.
The overall increase in the south west and west was 2.6 per cent, just under the national average and beating the south east increase of 2.1 per cent.
The Galway county area showed an increase of only 1.5 per cent, with Limerick and Cork counties showing increases of 2.8 and 3.6 per cent respectively.
All but four counties recorded a population increase. The losers were Longford, Leitrim, Roscommon and Monaghan. The largest drop, of 1.1 per cent, was in Leitrim.
While Galway had the greatest increase relative to its population, the Fingal area of Dublin saw the greatest numbers of extra people, with 14,700 more than in 1991.
For the first time in more than 30 years the population in Dublin's inner city increased slightly. The halt in the falling and mainly ageing population is believed to be caused by the development of inner city apartments.
The population of one ward on Arran Quay has been more than doubled from 921 to 1,921 since 1991.
