Looking at country in microcosm shows just where we need to gear up for future
YESTERDAY the Central Statistics Office released the Small Area Population Statistics dataset (SAPS), the most fine-grained geographical population data available from Census 2016. This data comprises a series of 45 census tables organised across 15 themes and covers all census topics, such as age, religion, nationality, households, migration, employment, transport, education and health.
The same 45 tables are now available for 11 separate geographic layers ranging from provinces, of which there are just four, right down to small areas, of which there are 18,641.
Census data has a wide range of applications and is used across all national and local government in planning for the future needs of Irish society. While national-level data is sufficient for some users, the real strength of the census data is the ability to inform about local areas, towns and communities. Whether it is a bike shop hoping to expand into a new area, a local transport operator assessing the viability of a new bus service, or a local business wanting data on the household composition of its area, census small area data can help inform these decisions.
Communities can use the data to strengthen their case in the pursuit of additional services, whether that is for childminding facilities, youth services or elderly support.
Prior to 2011, the smallest level of geography for which census data was available was electoral divisions, the smallest legally defined administrative areas in the State. However, electoral divisions vary enormously in size – the largest in Blanchard st ownBlake st own had a population of 38,894 in 2016 and the smallest, Dunmoylan West in Limerick, had a population of just 66.
In 2011, a new, more uniform geographic layer called small areas was introduced, of which there are 18,641. The average size of small areas in 2016 was 255 persons and they typically comprise between 80 and 120 dwellings. The complete set of 45 census tables is available for every small area. Other geographic layers for which census data is also available include the new municipal districts, the Limistéir Pleanála Teanga Ghaeltachta and 846 census towns and settlements.
Over the coming years, this census small area data will be used by researchers and policymakers across Ireland to carry out detailed analysis in a wide variety of areas. For example, charities and service providers working in the area of elderly care will use the data to identify the areas of greatest need. In 2016, there were 232 small areas where the percentage of persons aged 85 or over exceeded 10pc and 35 of these could be found in Roscommon, Mayo and Cavan.
Other results tell us there were almost 400 small areas where the population of non-Irish nationals exceeded 50pc, accounting for nearly 50,000 persons. Of these, 46,645 spoke a language other than Irish or English at home and 16pc had difficulty speaking English. This information will be used by service providers to engage with and plan services for these vulnerable groups.
Between 2011 and 2016, the number of people cycling to work increased by 43pc. Examining the small area results on means of transport reveals the large increase in cyclists along the canals in Dublin, particularly around Harold’s Cross/Kimmage. This may have been influenced by the opening of the Dublin canal cycle route in 2012 which runs from Portobello to Sheriff Street along the Grand Canal.
One of the most important uses of these census small area results is in the compilation of the Pobal HP Deprivation Index, a statistical measure of the relative affluence or disadvantage of an area. Pobal, an intermediary that works on behalf of the Government to support communities in the promotion of social inclusion and equality, and which oversees the distribution of some €100m per annum, sponsors the development and use of this index. It maintains an online mapping tool on its website for users and the Pobal Resource Allocation Model (Pobal-RAM), which is based on the HP Deprivation Index, has been in use for at least a decade. Using the index, it is now possible to derive an objective measure of the socio-economic composition of school catchment areas for designation under the Department of Education and Skills. Another use of the index is for calculating property values in
‘Results tell us there were almost 400 small areas where the population of non-Irish nationals exceeded 50pc’
the updated property price index.
The Census Small Area Population Statistics are available to view on the CSO website in our user-friendly SAPMAP format or as a downloadable CSV file. The data is freely available to everyone. It can be used by communities, planners, students and any enquiring mind. So, whether you represent a sports club wanting to know the age profile of your area to identify the need for a new team, or a parent looking to organise a baby and toddler group, go online and find out more about your local area – www.cso.ie/en/census. Brendan Murphy is a statistician with the CSO