Population of Republic set to overtake Scotland’s

THE population of the Republic is set to overtake Scotland’s within the next 15 years for the first time in modern history, according to new demographic estimates.

The latest figures have prompted major concern in Scotland about the negative impact of a falling population on the national economy.

The situation in Ireland’s Celtic neighbour is in stark contrast to the rising population in the Republic which currently stands at around 4.04 million - the highest level since 1871.