Corks faithful are fleeing the county

Population hits highest level in 145 years at 4.2 million

11:49 Wednesday July 19th 2006

Ireland's population has reached its highest level in 145 years, according to preliminary census figures published by the Central Statistics Office today.
The CSO says Ireland's population at the time of the census in April was just over 4.2 million, a rise of 318,000 on the 2002 head-count.

The increase is mainly due to immigration and brings Ireland's population to its highest level since 1861.

North Dublin and Co Meath have both seen their populations rise by more than a fifth since the last census, while Cork city and Limerick city are the only areas to register a decrease

The CSO says an examination of the figures shows that Ireland has enjoyed the largest population growth in the EU over the past 10 years.

Never mind the Polish and Lithuanians, the shower from Cork are also off to greener pastures.