Town population change 1971–1986: Patterns and distributional effects

Abstract

Population change was traced for census town‐size groups for the years 1971–1981 and 1981–1986. The 1970s were characterised by widespread growth; medium‐size towns in particular increased their share of the total population and some redistribution from inner‐areas to suburbs took place. The years 1981–1986 were, by contrast, marked by lower growth rates, selective town decline and considerable continuity in distribution patterns.

Key index words:

• Census towns
• population change 1971–1986
• Ireland