Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Emigration Statistics. – Dáil Éireann (27th Dáil) – Tuesday, 26 Nov 1996

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Emigration Statistics.

Bertie Ahern

Question:

2 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach the emigration figures in respect of each of the past two years; and if he will give a breakdown of the numbers leaving each county. [20954/96]

It is estimated that gross outward migration flows in the 12 month periods to mid-April 1995 and 1996 were 33,900 and 32,800 respectively. The corresponding gross inward migration flows were 32,200 and 38,400.

It is not possible to provide a breakdown of these figures on a county basis. However, a comparison of the 1991 and 1996 Census results at county level, in conjunction with information on births and deaths, enables a county breakdown of net migration for the intercensal period to be derived. The information relevant for the 1991-96 period is contained in the following table. It is important to emphasise that the county figures for net migration shown in the table reflect all movements of persons into and out of each county, not only to or from abroad, but also from other parts of the State.

Estimated Net Migration *, 1991-1996

County	Persons
Carlow	–475
Dublin	–5,110
of which:
Dublin County Borough	–5,303
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown	–953
Fingal	4,582
South Dublin	–3,436
Kildare	5,778
Kilkenny	–186
Laoighis	–623
Longford	–552
Louth	–815
Meath	420
Offaly	–664
Westmeath	–579
Wexford	–381
Wicklow	1,432
Clare	1,184
Cork	290
of which:
Cork County Borough	–2,184
Cork County	2,474
Kerry	3,478
Limerick	–1,397
of which:
Limerick County Borough	–1,129
Limerick County	–268
Tipperary NR	–1,062
Tipperary SR	–651
Waterford	766
of which:
Waterford County Borough	1,049
Waterford County	–283
Galway	3,865
of which:
Galway County Borough	4,070
Galway County	–205
Leitrim	131
Mayo	522
Roscommon	76
Sligo	262
Cavan	–707
Donegal	–1,001
Monaghan	–846
State	3,185

* The county figures for net migration reflect all movements into and out of each county not only to or from abroad, but also from other parts of the State.

Mr. B. Ahern

Does the Minister of State agree that emigration from some counties is much higher than from others and that it is a serious problem in parts of the west, as highlighted in the bishops' report and subsequent seminars and discussions? While the Minister of State cannot provide a breakdown of figures on a county basis, I presume he is aware from his own constituency that the position is particularly serious in parts of the west. Has he data on that area?

An Ceann Comhairle

Again, matters of policy are not relevant to this question. What is required are emigration figures for the past two years.

Mr. M. Kitt

As the report of the Western Development Partnership Board referred to rural depopulation and emigration from the western region, has the Minister of State a figure for the western region, particularly the north-west, which has only 9 per cent of the population?

Mr. J. Higgins

The preliminary results of the census show unexpected variations. The population in Dublin County Borough has decreased by 5,303, in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown it has decreased by 953, in Fingal it has increased by 4,582 and in South Dublin it has decreased by 3,436, giving a population decrease of 5,110 in Dublin. Deputy Kitt mentioned the initiative adopted by the bishops, the Western Development Partnership Board and the commission being established, which is being ably dealt with by the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Carey. The figures for the west are not as bleak as predicted. There has been a population increase of 4,070 in Galway County Borough, but a decrease of 205 in County Galway. In County Leitrim, where initially a population decline was anticipated, the population has increased by 131. The population in County Mayo has increased by 522, in County Roscommon it has increased by 76, and in County Sligo by 262.

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 26 Nov 1996