Sharp rise in Muslim population underlines changing face of society

THERE are 19,000 Muslims living in Ireland and almost 6% of the population is made up of non-nationals.

The Census 2002 figures released yesterday show a sharp rise in non-Catholic groups, underlining the rapidly changing face of Irish society.

The Muslim community is represented by 40 nationalities and is one of the new religious forces in Ireland narrowly trailing the Presbyterian population. The Methodist community is also increasing rapidly, with 10,000 living in Ireland.