This exciting and impactful tool provides a uniquely comprehensive scope and level of detail not yet seen in other countries. This innovative best practice is a demonstration of Ireland's commitment to using data to engage in planning development which is inclusive and sustainable. It follows the launch of the Regional Development Monitor (RDM) in 2022.
Justin Gleeson, Director of AIRO, noted the innovative nature of the tool:
“The National Census Atlas represents a major step forward in democratising access to data. By providing granular insights at the neighbourhood level, this tool empowers stakeholders across Ireland to identify needs, allocate resources effectively, and plan for a sustainable future. It is a fantastic example of public sector collaboration in Ireland and the use of publicly funded data collection initiatives.”
The data provided in the Atlas is captured from the 2022 Central Statistics Office (CSO) results, with this up-to-date material providing policymakers, researchers, businesses and citizens an accurate window into Ireland’s social, environmental and economic character at the most local levels. These include the following non-exhaustive list of indicators: society and culture, education, health and wellbeing, communications, ICT, transport and commuting.
The pioneering Atlas provides a tangible and impactful resource for Ireland’s planners in facilitating the most localised mapping as required e.g. at the county, city, town, local electoral areas and municipal district levels. This jointly helps inform evidence-based mapping and decision-making to best plan for, and serve the needs of citizens all around Ireland.
Some examples of tool usage:
- Population change can be explored over the past two decades, underlining the regions of population growth and decline.
- Household heating methods throughout communities in Ireland can help inform policies aimed at a transition from fossil fuels usage.
- Employment clustering can be assessed by focusing on jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture and professional services, better enabling regional economic development policy.
- Transport infrastructure can be planned by exploring the most detailed data on community patterns e.g. to cities and large towns.
- Cultural shifts can be determined across urban and rural areas e.g. by assessing religious affiliation.
The RDM enables the Tailte Éireann GeoHive platform to host the Atlas, providing an exciting array of reliable and valuable data for a variety of users in a way that is both interactive and accessible through a highly intuitive interface. The presentation of the data on the platform lends to intriguing insights not only for those in local, regional and national government, but also students in secondary or third level education who want to explore more about the societal, environmental and economic characteristics of their country. We encourage others outside of Ireland to visit the Atlas too. You can access the Atlas today through the Regional Development Monitor website.
