Republic of Ireland's population now the highest it's been since pre-Famine times

The population of the Republic of Ireland is now the highest it has been since pre-Famine times.

There are now 5.1 million people here, an increase of 7.6 per cent in six years.

It is the highest population recorded in a census since 1841 and the first time the population exceeded 5 million since 1851.

The results showed that all counties experienced population growth since the 2016 census, with Longford recording the biggest percentage increase at 14 per cent, followed by Meath with 12.9 per cent.

Locally, there was a seven per cent increase in Cavan, and a six per cent increase in Monaghan.

Eileen Murphy is the CSO's lead statistician.