Census staff gear up for the big count

CENSUS staff will have to deal with security gates and intercoms to deliver at least 150,000 of their forms to Irish homes over the next three weeks.

As the 4,400 enumerators employed by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) begin their work this week, one of the biggest challenges will be accessing flats and apartments.

CSO senior statistician Aidan Punch said plans are in place to make sure everybody is reached in time, as forms must be personally delivered to householders well ahead of census night on Sunday, April 23.