The Census Pilot Survey 2024 is now closed.
The CSO would like to thank everyone who participated and provided feedback. This is a historic new departure for the census in Ireland and we have had a great response from the public. Thank you for helping us by completing either the online or paper form and giving your valuable and honest feedback. We will use what we have learned to make Census 2027 as easy as possible for everyone.
The Census Pilot Survey took place between 2 September and 25 October 2024. The purpose of the Survey was to test new questions and methods for the next census. This is a crucial part of our preparations for the first ever national census where the public will have the option to complete their census form online.
The Survey was voluntary and took place in 20,000 homes across six counties. Census field staff were working in 44 locations within these counties offering support and help. The counties included Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath and Offaly. The Survey was also available to anyone outside of these areas who wished to participate. The CSO would also like to thank the census field staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment to their roles.
Now that the collection phase of the Census Pilot Survey is complete, the census team will review the information gathered. Once the final content is agreed and approved by the Census Advisory Group, the census questions will be sent to Government for approval. This will take place in 2025 and a full report on the Pilot will be published on the CSO website at this stage.
The recruitment of the field staff for Census 2027 will take place during 2026 in three separate competitions for a range of temporary contract roles. Details will be published on the CSO website.
The Census Pilot Survey was part funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP).
If you have a paper form completed and you have not returned it yet, please post it back to the CSO in the postage paid envelope provided.
If you have any queries about the census please phone us at 1800 236 787 or email census@cso.ie