DEPUTIES ARE to get a fresh perspective on their constituencies as a result of a study by the Oireachtas Library and Research Service.
Detailed statistical profiles have been compiled of all 43 Dáil constituencies based on the last census conducted on April 26th, 2006. The idea for the project came from researcher Barry Comeford.
The results, which are available on the internet at www.oireachtas.ie, show, for example, that Dublin North West has the highest proportion of single-parent families (42.9 per cent of all families). Meath East has the highest proportion of two- parent families (87.1 per cent of all families).
Dublin South East has the highest proportion of single persons (60.3 per cent). Meath East has the highest proportion of married persons (56 per cent).
Louth and Wicklow have the highest proportions of separated or divorced persons.
In terms of national identity, Limerick West has the highest proportion of individuals who describe themselves as Irish (93.7 per cent). Dublin Central has the lowest (72.6 per cent). The average proportion of those who describe themselves as Irish across the State is 88.8 per cent.
Donegal North East has the highest proportion of families who have five children or more (5.5 per cent). Dublin North and Dublin North Central have the lowest (1.9 per cent). The average across the State is 3.4 per cent.
Dublin North West has the highest proportion of households living in local authority housing (22.2 per cent) far above the average across the State of 8.8 per cent. Meath East has the lowest (3.9 per cent). Donegal South West has the highest proportion of males who ceased education before they turned 15 years of age (27 per cent). Dublin South East has the highest proportion of males who ceased education at the age of 21 and over (58 per cent). The average across the State is 23 per cent.
Dublin West experienced the largest increase in population growth in the period 2002-2006 (26.9 per cent). The average for the State is growth of 8.2 per cent. Dublin North Central has the highest proportion of individuals aged more than 65 years (16.5 per cent). Meath East and Kildare South have the highest proportions of individuals aged 14 and under (23.6 per cent).
Dublin South East has the lowest proportion of Catholics (67.6 per cent) and Limerick West the highest (93.8 per cent). The average across the State is 86.8 per cent. Dublin West has the highest proportion of new housing stock (houses that were built from 2001 onwards) 31.5 per cent. The average across the State is 17.9 per cent.
Dublin South East has the highest proportion of old housing stock (houses that were built before 1919), 35.6 per cent. This far exceeds the average across the State of 11.1 per cent.
Galway West has the highest proportion of Irish-speakers (51.9 per cent), Dublin Central the lowest (28.7 per cent). The average for the State is 40.8 per cent.
Speaking at the launch, Ceann Comhairle John O’Donoghue said: “The constituency profiles can be used to understand more fully the distinctive character of a constituency and help public representatives to respond accordingly to the needs of the people they represent.”
