Northern Ireland's population to peak in 2033
The study emphasises a low birth rate as the main contributing factor.
The projections show that by 2031, the number of deaths will surpass births, marking a demographic shift that is only going to continue.
Any future population growth is likely to rely entirely on migration, which is becoming a particularly thorny issue across the whole of Europe.
However, the report assumes migration will continue at its current pace, resulting in an overall population increase of only 1.1% between 2022 and 2047, which is significantly lower than growth rates seen elsewhere in mainland Britain.
Another worrying detail in the report is the rapid ageing of Northern Ireland's population. By the middle of 2027, pensioners are projected to outnumber children for the first time.
The working-age population, which includes those between 16 and 64 years old, is projected to begin shrinking by 2028.
By 2047, more than a quarter of the population will be aged 65 or older, compared with about one in six today.
Northern Ireland is predicted to have the largest drop in its child population and the largest increase in pensioners compared to Britain.
These projections are based on current trends and assumptions. Changes in government policies, specifically on migration, could alter future demographic changes.
Ireland's population has long been shaped by the migration of its people. Historical upheavals such as the Great Famine in the mid-1800s, led to mass starvation and the emigration of millions.
Ulster was particularly affected. Between 1845-1851 the population fell by 340,000, a nearly 16% drop, with the worst losses in the counties of Cavan, Fermanagh and Monaghan.
Since then, Ireland has seen changes in population both within and outside its borders but still hasn't returned to its pre-Famine peak of 8.5 million in 1845.
See More: Great Irish Famine, Irish Population, NISRA, Northern Ireland
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Agriland
an hour ago
- Agriland
Blackberries an important part of native biodiversity
Have you been out picking blackberries yet? Blackberry season is now upon us in mid-August, and those observing hedgerows will see blossoms and a mix of green, red and black fruit at different stages of ripeness on the same arching briar. Many people will have childhood memories of the tradition of picking and eating blackberries in Ireland, and Catherine Keena, Teagasc countryside management specialist, remarked that they are one of the only fruits growing wild that people are certain they can eat. While there are probably around 100 micro-species of blackberry in Ireland, the flavour remains fairly consistent - and people can have strong opinions of it. "The biggest thing I find when you mention them - it is a total love-hate relationship," Keena said. "It really evokes something special in people. "Nearly every person knows and has eaten a blackberry from the bushes. "The hate side of it is often for the briar, the bramble itself." Whether people love or hate them, there are plenty of creatures who will happily eat their fill of the fruit each year. Blackberries are part of Ireland's native Irish biodiversity, Keena said. "They're a native plant, they've been here for 10,000 years," she explained. "They're kind of a pioneer species." They are hardy and need little by way of human intervention to ensure they thrive. That is why you can see blackberries growing pretty much anywhere and everywhere in Ireland, urban and rural, on roadsides and in parks and on hedgerows throughout the country. Bramble is "not a problem in hedges" as long as the hedge is not over-managed, Keena explained. Over-cutting a hedge and weakening it can allow the bramble to "take over" - but according to Keena, "I wouldn't say it's the bramble's fault, it's more the hedge management". "A healthy hedge can hold bramble and it'll keep it at bay." Blackbirds, thrushes, starlings and robins are among the birds that will feast on the berries, and then disperse the seed. For badgers, foxes and field mice, blackberries are also a popular food source. Other important functions of the bramble include when a stem becomes hollow having died off, solitary bees nest there. There is no need to have any concern that blackberries will become extinct in Ireland, and people are encouraged to enjoy the fruit each autumn. While ensuring to take care due to the bramble's thorns and also avoiding bushes near busy roads because of vehicle fumes, Keena said there is a valuable childhood memory to be created from venturing out to pick blackberries. Keena said that according to folklore - although the blackberries are unlikely to last until then - they shouldn't be eaten after Halloween "when the púca spits on them". The saying 'ní fiú sméar san fhomhair é' (it's not worth an autumn blackberry) refers to later blackberries, according to Keena.
The Irish Sun
14 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Family's heartbreaking plea after ‘amazing' Irish mum-of-nine with ‘heart of gold' dies suddenly as tributes pour
The mum-of-nine passed away 'peacefully but unexpectedly' in her Dublin home 'AWFUL LOSS' Family's heartbreaking plea after 'amazing' Irish mum-of-nine with 'heart of gold' dies suddenly as tributes pour A FAMILY of a "beloved" mum-of-nine who died "peacefully but unexpectedly" in her Dublin home have issued an urgent plea. Nicole McNeill died suddenly on July 14, leaving behind her "adored children", her partner, father, family and friends. The Lucan woman, who was laid to rest at Palmerstown Cemetery, was remembered for her 'heart of gold'. Her family has now issued a "heartfelt request" to the local community following her sudden passing. Advertisement A fundraiser has been set up on GoFundMe to help Nicole's family face unexpected costs, especially as the back to school time approaches. They said: 'Her passing has left her family in shock and facing unexpected expenses. 'With the new school year approaching in September, there are added costs for clothing and getting the little ones ready for this big transition – all of which have come as a sudden and stressful burden. 'One of her children is just four months old, making this an especially challenging time for the family.' Advertisement So far, the GoFundMe page has raised €1,500 out of its €5,000 goal. Her family added: 'Any contribution to our fundraising efforts would be deeply appreciated and would help alleviate some of the financial strain, allowing the family to focus on healing and supporting these young children during this incredibly difficult time. 'Your kindness and generosity would mean the world to us and to Aunt Nicole's family. "Thank you so much for any help you can provide.' Advertisement Tributes have been poured in for tragic Nicole since her passing last month, with mourners telling how she was an "amazing mother". 'ALWAYS A SMILE' One mourner said: 'Thoughts are with all of Nicky's family friends and her kids. She had a heart of gold and helped out when she could. 'I hope she gives the kids all her strength to get through this. I hope she gets the best bed in heaven now.' Another said: 'I was really saddened to hear of the passing of Nicole. "She was an amazing mother and the kids were a credit to her.' Advertisement While another pal shared: 'Nicole, so many fond memories from school, you were one of the good ones. 'Always a smile and a kind word. Sending so much love to your partner, children, grandchildren and family on this awful loss.' To make a donation and support the family, please visit here.
Irish Independent
18 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Beloved Wicklow parish priest remembered with gathering to unveil memorial
There was a massive attendance for the unveiling of the tribute which was carried out by Christy McEvoy & Sons stone masons of Ballyknockan. The bench was commissioned by Cllr Gerry O'Neill and Cllr Patsy Glennon, who were both present for the launch. The Very Reverend Kevin Lyon, Archdeacon of Glendalough died on New Year's Eve in 2022. Born in Clontarf, Dublin in 1932, he was ordained in 1957 and was appointed to Blessington in 1994, where he remained parish priest until 2005, before moving to Crosschapel. During his time in the priesthood he also had assignments in Rathnew, Avoca, Donard and Dunlavin before arriving in Blessington. Cllr O'Neill said: 'Fr Kevin was a great man and we felt it was only fitting to honour his memory considering all the great work he carried out for the local community. "He loved Wicklow and made his mark in every parish he served in. Most importantly of all he was a lovely human being. He was a family friend of almost 50 years and actually married myself and my wife Cathy in Donard in 1997. 'He was hugely respected by all in the community, which was clear to see by the large numbers who turned out for the unveiling of his memorial bench.' Members of Fr Lyon's family were also present at the service, with Fr Gerry Keane officially unveiling the bench, which is located on the Peter Finnegan Green, beside the 1916 monument. Cllr O'Neill, who spoke at the unveiling, added: 'Fr Kevin always had a deep love of history, and it was only fitting that the memorial bench is located beside the 1916 monument, as I was present back in 2016 when Fr Lyon blessed the monument when it was put in place. "He was a real scholar and I recall so many different conversations we had, including the tragedy in Glen of Imaal back in 1977 when five Irish soldiers were killed in a training accident. "He only had holy oils in his pocket when a soldier came to the door of his house, and he described the scenes as resembling a battlefield, with five dead and a lot wounded. 'Fr Tim Murphy worked alongside Fr Lyon for a long time in Blessington and he was very disappointed that he couldn't attend the unveiling but he was delighted the event went so well and had such a wonderful attendance.' Blessington Men's Shed served refreshments at their premises following the unveiling.
