Social, Economic and Cultural Profile of County Clare
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Clare County Library

Where People Live

Population of County Clare
The population of Clare increased by 3.4% between 1991 and 1996. The population of Clare in 1996 was 94,006 persons. The accompanying Map 4 shows the 1996 population of Clare by DeD.
  • Map 4 - Population by DED for County Clare,1996
  • Map 5 - Population density by DED for County Clare, 1996
  • Map 6 - Number of Households by DED for County Clare, 1996
  • Map 7 - Population change 1991-1996 by DED for County Clare
  • Map 8 - Population of towns in County Clare, 1996
Figure 2.1: Number & Gender of Persons Living in County Clare
Source: CSO, 1996

Age Structure of Population
Figure 2.2 shows that Clare is experiencing a population bulge in the age groups between 20-44 and 45-64 years of age, which should continue for a number of years. This increase is partially due to inward migration. A small increase is recorded in the numbers of people aged 65+. The next census, which is taking place next year, will give important indications as to the current age profile of the County.
Figure 2.2: Age Structure of Population

Source: CSO, 1996

Population Density
In 1996, population density in the County was 75 persons per square mile. The most densely populated DeDs are found in the Ennis electoral area. The lowest densities were found in the Ennistymon electoral area. The accompanying map 5 shows the distribution of population density by DeDs in Clare. It clearly identifies a high population concentration around the Southeast corridor region of Ennis, Shannon and Killaloe.

Number of Households
The accompanying Map 6 shows the number of households by DeDs in Clare. It clearly identifies relatively sparsely populated rural areas in both the West, North and East of Clare.

Changes in Population
The accompanying Map 7shows a drop in population between 1991 and 1996 in a number of DeDs. On the other hand, Ennis and surrounding areas have increased their populations.

Urban/Rural Population Growth Trends
The following table, Table 2.1, shows that between 1991 and 1996, there was a significantly greater percentage increase in the number of persons living in urban areas relative to rural areas. The rural increase for Clare was only 2% compared to 6% for urban areas.
Table 2.1: Aggregate Town and Rural Population in 1996 and Changes 1991-1996

Region/Sub-region Aggregate Town Areas Aggregate Rural Areas All Areas
Persons Change % Change Persons Change % Change Change
1996 1991 - '96 1996 1991 -'96  
Clare 33,209 2,128 6% 60,797 960 2% +3,088
Mid-West 133,403 3414 3% 183,666 2,927 2% +6,341
Source: WDC, 1999

The 1996 census shows that since 1991, the majority of towns and villages have witnessed an increase in their respective populations. A full list of population increases for the towns and villages of Clare is shown in Appendix 2. Growth in the number of electors is shown in Figure 2.3. The accompanying Map 8 also shows the relative size of town populations in 1996.
Figure 2.3: Number of electors in Local Electoral Areas (LEAs)

Source: Clare County Council, 2000

Population Projections
The Department of Public Health in the Mid-Western Health Board, using CSO statistics, estimate that the population will rise by about 12% over the 30 year period from 1996 to 2026. The number of older people is expected to increase while it is projected that there will be a relative fall in the number of children.
It is important to note that population projections are only approximate and can be distorted by the reality of changes in births and migration. The following population projections are taken from the recently published National Childcare Census Report.
Table 2.2: Population Projections for County Clare:

Year 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016
Total Population 94,006 97,042 100,148 103,630 107,475
         
Aged 0 to 1 1,250 1,133 1,178 1,315 1,452
Aged 1 to 3 4,020 3,643 3,788 4,231 4,669
Aged 4 to 6 4,427 3,891 3,699 3,950 4,392
Aged 7 to 12 9,985 8,535 7,557 7,348 7,940
Aged 13 to 15 5,821 5,318 4,561 4,063 4,024
         
Under 15 25,503 22,520 20,783 20,908 22,477
Source: National Childcare Census Report County Clare, 2000

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