Catholicism gains numbers but loses share of total

THE number of Catholics in the country has increased in Ireland by more than 218,000 since the last census.

The 6.3% rise in Catholic believers comes despite abuse scandals and troubles which have plagued the Church since the last census was taken in 2002.

Census figures show the Catholic population has grown from 3,462,606 four years ago to 3,681,446 when the recent census was taken.