Irish population could return to pre-famine levels within 30 years

IRELAND’S population could double to 8.2 million within 30 years if current growth rates are maintained.

New research carried out by the EU shows that present fertility and migration rates could lead to a population explosion in the Republic.

It predicts that Ireland’s population could record a 100% increase by 2035. In contrast, it would take 157 years for the entire EU to record a 100% increase in population at present rates of demographic change.