A snapshot of how we were and a key blueprint for the Ireland of the future

Far more than a snapshot of how Ireland looked on Apr 10, 2011, the census figures also provide an important blueprint for how our country will look in the future.

This is Ireland — the first report summarising the results of last year’s census which was published yesterday — will act as a template for much of the key decisions to be made on the country’s infrastructural needs.

On an individual basis, the census might often be regarded as a sign of the meddlesome state seeking a large amount of confidential, personal data via enumerators calling to the door as one’s favourite TV soap comes on air. (Not for nothing does the joke exist that many people feel like a census form – as they have been broken down by age, sex and religion.)