Introduction
31
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018
Introduction
32
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 INTRODUCTION
Introduction to Cork City
The River Lee divides into two channels at the western
end of the city with the city centre located on the island
created by the channels. The River Lee flows around Lough
Mahon to Cork Harbour, Europe’s largest natural harbour
and a major Irish seaport.
Located on the south coast of Ireland, Cork City is the second
largest in the Republic of Ireland and has a population of
125,657 people (Irish Census 2016). Cork is the second largest
city in the Republic of Ireland with an area of 3,731 hectares.
Its name derives from the Irish term ‘Corcach Mór Mumhan’
which translates to ‘Great Marsh of Munster.’
Cork City’s most defining characteristic is that of a port city
with a major river running through it. The Port of Cork utilises
the asset of Cork Harbour by providing Ireland's only multi-
purpose deep sea port facility. The Port of Cork also has
significant development plans for a new facility on the lower
harbour which will have the capacity to handle some
of the largest vessels in the world. Cork’s status as a port
city has had a strong influence on its economic development
and remains a strong influence over the physical
development, culture and heritage of the city.
In 2015 UNESCO presented Cork with one of 12 inaugural
Learning City Awards, one of only three cities in Europe to
be recognised. Cork is a University City with a total student
population in excess of 35,000 attending the two main third
level institutes – University College Cork (UCC) and Cork
Institute of Technology (CIT). Other educational institutions
in the city include the CIT Crawford College of Art and Design,
the CIT Cork School of Music, St. John’s Central College,
Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa and Cork College of Commerce.
There are a number of world renowned research institutes
including the Tyndall National Research Institute, the
Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre and the Institute for the
Social Sciences in the 21st Century (ISS21) at University
College Cork.
Statio Bene Fide Carinis – a safe harbour for ships - is the motto on the
coat of arms of Cork City. Cork is the largest county in Ireland covering
7,508 square kilometres. Cork was originally a monastic settlement
founded by Saint Finbarr in the 6th Century and has grown from a
trading merchant city set on the River Lee to a cosmopolitan vibrant
21st Century European city.
33
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 INTRODUCTION
As will become evident in this Profile, Cork’s status regarding Education and Learning has
had a large influence on its demographic and socio-economic characteristics. Areas in close
proximity to University College Cork and Cork Institute of Technology are markedly different
from the remainder of the city in a variety of ways, particularly in relation to their age
profile, commuting patterns and housing stock. Inequality is also evident in Cork City, with
employment, education and income levels varying widely across the city. There are a number
of localities where this inequality is concentrated. This inequality has been persistent over the
last century, in spite of an array of initiatives to counteract it. Cork City has four designated
RAPID Areas (Revitalising Areas by Planning, Investment and Development) - three of them on
the ‘northside’ of the city. The fourth RAPID Area incorporates areas of Togher and Mahon on
the ‘southside’ of the city. Informal (and, in some cases, formal) discourses often focus on this
dichotomy between the areas north and south of the River Lee, which, although well-grounded
in some respects, does not acknowledge the diversity of these areas.
© Ordnance Survey Ireland
±New Cork City Boundary
Existing Cork City Boundary
0 42
Kilometers
New Cork City Boundary 2018
34
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 INTRODUCTION
The Evolution of Public Health in Cork City
The 16th Century brought continuous hunger and disease to Cork and the official responses
to it shaped the city of today. Overcrowded and insanitary living conditions, along with
epidemic outbreaks, led to the construction of the ‘Chamber of Medicines’ in 1719, which
became the North and South Infirmaries.
The next 100 years brought the development of voluntary hospitals, sanatoria, and asylums
in Cork, including: the House of Industry (1776); the Workhouse (1840); the Lunatic Asylum
(1792); the Fever Hospital (1802); the Lying-In Hospital (1798); the Cork Midwifery Dispensary
(1834) and the Cork Maternity Hospital (1872)3.
By the early 19th Century, provision of health services was predominantly through county
infirmaries, fever hospitals and public dispensaries. The conditions in these dispensaries
became a major contributor to disease transmission. Funding for the provision and
management of dispensaries and availability of services at local level was highly political
and overall living conditions were unhealthy. There were 14 major epidemic outbreaks in
Cork between 1817 and 1872.4
The Great Irish Famine of 1845-52 had a profound effect on the city and its people and
resulted in widespread mortality and emigration.5 In 1846, the Cork City Relief Committee
was formed to oversee the implementation of relief works.6 This committee oversaw the
construction of bath houses and wash houses, as well as the construction of a new city
sewerage system. By 1853, improvements occurred in sanitation and laneways were regularly
cleaned using fire engines. Children confined to the workhouse resorted to begging, until
measures were put in place to provide education.7
Living conditions were improved with the removal of manure heaps, and sewers were laid
down. At the beginning of the 1900s, overcrowding was still an issue. In order to deal with this
problem, Cork Corporation initiated building schemes to move the poor from dilapidated
housing to newer, healthier settings. By 1931, the vaccination program had resulted in this
infectious disease virtually disappearing. 1932 saw the introduction of slum clearance and north
side housing developments, leading to vastly improved living conditions throughout the city.
3 - Mahoney (1997) In The Shadows: Life in Cork 1750-1930, Tower Books.
4 - Ibid.
5 - See Crowley, J., Smyth, W. J. and Murphy, M. (2012). Atlas of the Great Irish Famine. Cork: Cork University Press
6 - Cork Examiner (15/4/1846)
7 - Mahoney (1997) In The Shadows: Life in Cork 1750-1930, Tower Books.
35
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 INTRODUCTION
Electoral Divisions
CORK CITY SOUTH-WESTBishopstown A, Bishopstown B, Bishopstown C, Bishopstown D,
Bishopstown E, Gillabbey B, Gillabbey C, Glasheen A, Glasheen B,
Glasheen C, Mardyke, Togher A.
CORK CITY SOUTH-EASTBallinlough A, Ballinlough B, Ballinlough C, Browningstown,
City Hall B, Knockrea A, Knockrea B, Mahon A, Mahon B,
Mahon C, Tramore A, Tramore B, Tramore C.
CORK CITY SOUTH-CENTRALBallyphehane A, Ballyphehane B, Centre A, Centre B, City Hall A,
Evergreen, Gillabbey A, Greenmount, Pouladuff A, Pouladuff B, South
Gate A, South Gate B, The Lough, Togher B, Turners Cross A, Turners
Cross B, Turners Cross C, Turners Cross D.
CORK CITY NORTH –CENTRALBlackpool A, Blackpool B, Commons, Fair Hill A, Farranferris A,
Farranferris C, Gurranebraher A, Gurranebraher B, Gurranebraher C,
Gurranebraher D, Gurranebraher E, Shandon A, Shandon B, Sundays
Well B, The Glen A, The Glen B.
CORK CITY NORTH-EASTMayfield, Montenotte A, Montenotte B, St. Patrick’s A,
St. Patrick’s B, St. Patrick’s C, Tivoli A, Tivoli B.
CORK CITY NORTH-WESTChurchfield, Fair Hill B, Fair Hill C, Farranferris B, Knocknaheeny,
Shanakiel, Sundays Well A.
Ireland’s counties are divided geographically into smaller areas called Electoral Divisions
(EDs) which are administrative units for census purposes and are the smallest unit for which
complete census information is available. The area defined as Cork City and administered
by Cork City Council is divided into 74 District Electoral Divisions. For planning and
administrative purposes the city is divided into six regions:
Carrigrohane
BishopstownTogher
Glasheen
South Docks
Ballyphehane
Blackrock
Mahon
Sunday's Well
KnocknaheenyBlackpool
Farranree
Mayfield
Tivoli
DoughcloyneDouglas Rochestown
Glanmire
SOUTH EASTSOUTH WEST
NORTH EAST
NORTH CENTRAL
NORTH WEST
SOUTH CENTRAL
.Cork City Electoral Areas
0 21
Kilometers
36
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 INTRODUCTION
Cork City 2019 and Beyond
This is an exciting period for Cork City Council with the extension of the city’s boundary.
The last boundary expansion happened nearly 50 years ago in 1965. The upcoming
expansion will see the city become almost five times larger at 187km.2
The population of the city will grow by 85,000 to 210,000 by May 2019, however the city is
expected to grow over the next two decades to circa 300,000. The result is a larger City
Council area, with responsibility for the city, its immediate suburbs and adjoining settlements,
which will take a lead role in driving the growth of the city region.
The expansion will allow for more effective planning and delivery of key development and
infrastructural priorities for the area, compared to the current arrangements. The expanded
City Council can better identify and respond to the differing strategic needs and priorities
of the urban and wider metropolitan areas, including some that form part of the natural
hinterland of Cork City.
The boundary change also provides scope for improvements in the capacity of the city
to maintain, improve and expand services. The tailoring of services to different needs and
circumstances should allow for efficiency gains and value for money and also allow policies
and services to be designed more effectively to meet these needs and priorities.
Government policy has consistently identified the need to develop alternative development
areas as a counterbalance to Dublin. As the second largest urban area in the State, by some
distance, Cork is the location that can realistically perform this function.
Cities and city regions are universally acknowledged as the drivers of growth for their
respective regions and states and cities/city regions are the preferred entity for many
European Union funding opportunities. The substantial boundary extension gives Cork
the potential to become a European city of scale: this is vital when attracting international
investment to the entire region, with the economic and social benefits to be felt by all.
Between 2011 and 2016 there was a 9.4 increase in jobs in Cork City. The city has attracted
and continues to hold world class companies such as Apple and continues to attract
thousands of international workers.
37
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 INTRODUCTION
The effectiveness of the Cork Metropolitan area, and thus its contribution to national
development, is predicated on a commonality of interests and needs met through coherent
policies and programmes.
Certain conditions must apply to support the increased economic activity and regional
competitiveness needed, if more spatially balanced patterns of development are to evolve
in Ireland over the next 20 years.
These conditions can be described as follows:
» There is a need for a critical mass of population, a range of skills, an innovation
capacity, as well as business and transport linkages in an environment attractive
to people. This provides a competitive, sustainable and strong platform for
business development responsive to domestic and world economic forces.
» The potential for the development of economic activity at the regional
level must be driven by advantages derived from exchange of information,
collaboration, innovation, adoption of best practices and mobilisation of finance
and skills. Collectively this can be termed entrepreneurship. This establishes a
forward dynamic that promotes diversification and sustains competitiveness
and progress in regional development, thus reducing disparities between areas.
» Strong cities and towns are needed to support a competitive business environment,
working in partnership with strong rural areas and ensuring an effective supply of
employment opportunities and services. This enables areas to hold onto existing
populations, both urban and rural, and to attract more people. The expansion of the
Cork City boundary allows Cork City Council to drive and maintain the necessary
growth in activity and competitiveness.
Living in Cork you are a living in a buzzing city surrounded by beautiful countryside. Expansion
will include the housing and commercial developments which happened on the outskirts of
the previous boundary over five decades and include these urbanised areas. The Cork of the
future must retain the quality of life that we love, protect the assets of the rural hinterland
and ensure rural life thrives because of a strong competitive city.8
8 - Ibid.
38
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 INTRODUCTION
Local Inter-Agency Structures
Local co-ordinating structures in Ireland were introduced 20 years ago to tackle deprivation
and social exclusion. The present local co-ordinating structure, the Local Community
Development Committee (LCDC), was established under the Local Government Reform
Act 2014. The LCDC is responsible for coordinating, planning and overseeing publicly funded,
community focused programmes which seek to develop the wellbeing of our communities.
The purpose of the LCDC is to bring better coordination to the delivery of local and community
development, bring together representatives from the area to make decisions on local issues
and develop the community elements of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP).
The Cork City Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2016-2021 ‘Pure Cork’ is an action
driven plan used to guide economic and community development. The plan seeks to build on
the structures, work and achievements of Cork 2012 – Imagine Our Future (Cork City Council,
2001) and on the work of the Cork City Development Board (the previous local government
co-ordinating structure). Imagine Our Future was central to generating the delivery of
creative initiatives such as the Cork City Learning Forum, Cork Lifelong Learning Festival,
the Discovery Science Exhibition, the Cork City Inter-agency Traveller Group, Cork Healthy
Cities, and inter-agency work on LGBT. Some of these initiatives continue, some have been
succeeded by others. Among key local co-ordinating structures in the Pure Cork LECP Plan
are: Cork City Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force; The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
(LGBT) Steering Group; Cork City of Sanctuary Movement; Project Refocus; the Joint Policing
Committee; Cork Music Education Partnership and Music Generation Cork; Cork Food Policy
Council; RAPID (Revitalising Areas through Planning, Investment & Development); Cork Age
Friendly City; the Cork Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC); Northside
for Business, Growing More than Apples; Homeless Integrated Strategy; among others.
The report published by the Social Inclusion Unit at Cork City Council under the European
project “Ireland in Social Europe: Challenging Perceptions, Changing Realities” in 2013,
called “Building co-ordination around communities and local needs: the future of a more
inclusive Europe,” highlighted the need to strengthen the co-ordination of services at local
level to tackle deprivation and social exclusion, with a need at national and European level
to show leadership on working for the integration and co-ordination of services at local level.
39
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 INTRODUCTION
Cork – A World Health Organisation Designated Healthy City
Health can be improved or harmed by social policy, transport policy, education policy and
the built environment, and has a particular impact on vulnerable groups in society. European
health policy ‘Health2020’ puts increased emphasis on and brings new evidence on the right
to health, equity, well-being and health in all policies through whole-of-government and whole-
of-society approaches. Since 2012 Cork is a designated World Health Organisation Healthy
City. With this designation is a requirement of the local authority to commit to health and
a process and structure to achieve it.
A World Health Organisation Healthy City is one that continually creates and improves its
physical and social environments and expands the community resources that enable people
to mutually support each other in performing all the functions of life and developing to their
maximum potential. Healthy Cities is based on a recognition that population health is not
merely a product of health sector activities but largely determined by policies and actions
beyond the health sector. Cork Healthy City’s Vision is ‘A city that connects to improve the
health and well-being of all its people and reduce health inequalities.’
40
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 INTRODUCTION
2018: A New Phase for Healthy Cities – The Copenhagen Consensus
Socially, culturally and politically, cities are more important than ever before. Within a
complex world of many levels of government, numerous sectors working towards similar
goals, and a broadening range of stakeholders involved in the pursuit of health and well-
being, cities are uniquely placed to provide leadership. The summit of Mayors in Copenhagen
in February 2018 culminated in the adoption of the Copenhagen Consensus, which affirms
political commitment to the role of cities in creating a healthier and happier future, and acts
as a political mandate for the Network of Healthy Cities. The development of this Consensus
was under the guidance of a European political vision group which was chaired by Lord Mayor
of Cork 2017 & Political representative for Cork Healthy Cities Cllr. Tony Fitzgerald.
41
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 INTRODUCTION
Social Inclusion/Exclusion
Social Inclusion is defined as a series of positive actions to achieve equality of access to
goods and services, to assist all individuals to participate in their community and society,
to encourage the contribution of all persons to social and cultural life and to raise awareness
of, and to challenge, all forms of discrimination. The Joint Report by the Commission and the
Council on Social Inclusion (Office for Official Publication of the European Union, Council
of the European Union, Brussels, 5 March 2004, 7101/04, SOC 115, Page 8) describes social
inclusion as: The process which ensures that those at risk of poverty and social exclusion gain
the opportunities and resources necessary to participate fully in economic, social and cultural
life and to enjoy a standard of living and well-being that is considered normal in the society in
which they live. In society, groups of people or communities may have the experience of being
excluded. Exclusion can occur due to groups having a language, sexual orientation, gender
identity, culture or religion that differs from the majority. It also occurs due to poverty or low
social status. The manner in which this happens, and the effects it has on people, are central
to debates around social inclusion and exclusion.
Exclusion leads to communities not having access to resources and opportunities, which results
in disadvantage across a variety of spheres. Along with material deprivation, marginalised
individuals are also excluded from services, programmes, and policies.9 Social exclusion
and health are strongly interconnected, as illustrated by the following quotation: The social
conditions in which people live powerfully influence their chances to be healthy. Indeed, factors
such as poverty, food insecurity, social exclusion and discrimination, poor housing, unhealthy
early childhood conditions and low occupational status are important determinants of most
diseases, deaths and health inequalities between and within countries. 10
Health is not just the outcome of genetic or biological processes but is also influenced by the
social and economic conditions in which people live, also known as the ‘Social Determinants
of Health.’ Inequalities in social conditions give rise to unequal and unjust health outcomes for
different social groups. 11 Greater equality results in better outcomes across the entire set of
social and health indicators.
9 - Young (2000).
10 - World Health Organization. (2004). Commission on Social Determinants of Health Note by the Secretariat. Available: http://apps.who.int/gb/ archive/pdf_files/EB115/B115_35-en.pdf.
11 - Combat Poverty Agency. (2008). Tackling Health Inequalities An All-Ireland Approach to Social Determinants. Available: http://www.publichealth.
42
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 INTRODUCTION
Cork City Council, Social Inclusion Unit, Community & Enterprise Section
The Social Inclusion Unit supports Cork City Council in strengthening the focus of its policies
through research, awareness raising and actions. Previously, the Social inclusion Unit at Cork
City Council, in conjunction with University College Cork, developed two city profiles based
on the 2002 and 2006 censuses and in partnership with Healthy Cities the 2014 City Profile
and this profile. The City Council has integrated Social Inclusion as a main objective within
its Corporate Plan, the City Development Plan and the Docklands Development Plan. The
Social Inclusion Unit (Community & Enterprise Section) supports inter-agency co-ordination
initiatives at a local level both with research and as a leading support mechanism, including
the Cork City of Sanctuary Movement, Music Education Partnership and Music Generation
Cork, the Inclusive Arts Initiative, Africa Day, the LGBT Inter-Agency Committee, and The
CYPSC research sub-groups, among others.
43
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018
01
Demography
44
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
1.1 Population
The population in Cork City however decreased, albeit marginally, between 2006 and 2011
by -0.2% from 119,418 to 119,230. This followed a more significant decrease (-3.0%) between
2002 and 2006. Between 2011 and 2016, however, Cork City’s population showed relatively
significant growth of 5.4% to 125,657 persons.
Table 1 displays the Electoral Divisions (EDs) with the largest populations in Cork City
from 2006 to 2016. The same five EDs maintain the highest populations. Mahon A and
Mahon B grew with each census whereas the number of people in Knocknaheeny and The
Glen B reduced. The number of people in Bishopstown C reduced between 2006 and 2011
and increased between 2011 and 2016.
The three least populated EDs have remained the same over the censuses with Turners Cross
D consistently the lowest populated. In 2016, EDs with the lowest populations were Turner
Cross D, Gurranebraher B, Farranferris C, Ballyphehane A and Blackpool A (Table 2).
In 2006 there were 4,239,848 people living in Ireland representing an
8.2% increase over the 2002 figure. By 2011, the population increased
by a further 8.2% to 4,588,252. Between this time and the 2016
census the population increased by just 3.8% to 4,761,865. Population
increases followed a similar trend for Cork County over this period:
increasing by 10.5% from 2006 to 2011 and 4.4% from 2011 to 2016.
45
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
Table 2: EDs with Lowest Numbers of Persons, 2016 (Source: CSO)
2006 Total 2011 Total 2016 Total
Turners Cross D 478 Turners Cross D 451 Turners Cross D 471
Gurranebraher B 596 Gurranebraher B 565 Gurranebraher B 588
Farranferris C 619 Farranferris C 608 Farranferris C 607
Turners Cross C 659 Ballyphehane A 609 Ballyphehane A 662
Sundays Well A 662 Mardyke 636 Blackpool A 690
Table 1: EDs with Highest Numbers of Persons, 2016 (Source: CSO)
2006 Total 2011 Total 2016 Total
Bishopstown C 4988 Mahon A 4931 Mahon A 5066
Knocknaheeny 4558 Mahon B 4843 Mahon B 4937
Mahon B 4241 Bishopstown C 4726 Bishopstown C 4925
Mahon A 4206 Knocknaheeny 4301 Knocknaheeny 4044
The Glen B 4153 The Glen B 3775 The Glen B 3699
46
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
1.2 Age Profile
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the distribution of the population of Ireland and Cork City
respectively based on age in 2016. Across the State those aged 35 to 39 are the dominant age
group with 389,421 persons (8.2%) whilst the largest age group in Cork City is younger at 20-
24 years. This may in part be attributable to the number of third level institutes in the city.
The following table outlines the dominant age groups and their proportion of the population
in Cork City, Cork City and Suburbs and the State in 2016. Results illustrate that Cork City’s
largest population group was the youngest of the three (20-24) whilst the largest population
group in the State was the oldest of the three (35-39).
Table 3: Most Dominant Age-Groups (Source: CSO)
Area Cork City Cork City and Suburbs State
Dominant age group 20-24 30-34 35-39
% of the population 10.10% 8.70% 8.20%
The population pyramid for Cork City and Suburbs 2016 illustrates that the largest group
were the 30-34 year olds who made up 8.7% of the population. Of those aged 85+ (1.4%),
32.7% were male and 67.3% were female.
Those of working age (15-64) make up the clear majority of the population in each census.
Whilst between 2006 and 2016 the number of 15-64 years olds increased by 3,583, the
proportion of this age-group relative to others shows a marginal but steady decrease
over time, from 70.7% in 2006 to 70.3% to 70.0% in 2016.
Those aged 65 and over were the only group to consistently increase in numbers and their
proportion of the population through each census, demonstrating an ageing trend in Cork City.
47
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 10.0%
0 to 45 to 9
10 to 1415 to 19
20 to 2425 to 2930 to 3435 to 39
40 to 4445 to 4950 to 5455 to 59
60 to 6465 to 6970 to 7475 to 79
80 to 8485+
Population Pyramid of Cork City, 2016
Male % Female %
Figure 1: POPULATION PYRAMID OF IRELAND, 2016 (SOURCE: CSO)
Figure 2: POPULATION PYRAMID OF CORK CITY, 2016 (SOURCE: CSO)
10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10%
0 to 45 to 9
10 to 1415 to 19
20 to 2430 to 3435 to 39
40 to 4445 to 4950 to 5455 to 59
60 to 6465 to 6970 to 7475 to 79
80 to 8485+
Population Pyramid of Ireland, 2016
Male % Female %
Population Pyramid of Ireland, 2016
Population Pyramid of Cork City, 2016
48
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
Figure 3: POPULATION PYRAMID FOR CORK CITY AND SUBURBS, 2016 (SOURCE: CSO)
Table 4: Age Profile of the Population of Cork City from 2006 and 2016 (Source: CSO)
Cork City 2006 2011 2016
0-4 5707 6042 6305
% of population 4.8% 5.1% 5.0%
5-14 12457 11455 11635
% of population 10.4% 9.6% 9.3%
15-64 84407 83783 87990
% of population 70.7% 70.3% 70.0%
65-84 15307 16128 17593
% of population 12.8% 13.5% 14.0%
85+ 1540 1822 2134
% of population 1.3% 1.5% 1.7%
Total 119418 119230 125657
10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% 2.0% 4.0% 6.0% 8.0% 10.0%
0 to 45 to 9
10 to 1415 to 19
20-2425-2930-3435-39
40-4445-4950-5455-59
60-6465-6970-7475-79
80-8485+
Population Pyramid for Cork City and Suburbs, 2016
Male % Female %
Population Pyramid for Cork City and Suburbs, 2016
49
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
Figure 4: AGE PROFILE OF CORK CITY: 2006, 2011 AND 2016 (SOURCE: CSO)
Table 4 also shows that pre-school aged children consistently increased in number between each
census. The only age group that had lower numbers in 2016 than in 2006 was those aged 5-14 years.
Table 5 illustrates population percentage changes for each age group over three censuses
in Cork City. The table shows that those aged 65-84 are steadily increasing in numbers
and proportions. Particularly notable is the population aged 85+ which between 2006-2011
increased by 18.3% and between 2011 and 2016 increased by a further 17.1%. These are
significant increases when compared to percentage changes for the other age groups.
Table 5: Age Profile and Percentage Changes of the Population of Cork City from 2006 to 2011 to 2016 (Source: CSO)
Cork City 2006 Change % Change 2011 Change % Change 2016
0-4 5707 335 5.9% 6042 263 4.4% 6305
5-14 12457 -1002 -8.0% 11455 180 1.6% 11635
15-64 84407 -624 -0.7% 83783 4207 5.0% 87990
65-84 15307 821 5.4% 16128 1465 9.1% 17593
85+ 1540 282 18.3% 1822 312 17.1% 2134
Total 119418 -188 -0.2% 119230 6427 5.4% 125657
Age Profile of Cork Ciry, 2006, 2011 and 2016
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
0-4 year olds 5-14 year olds 15-64 year olds 65-84 year olds 85+
2006 2011 2016
Age Profile of Cork City, 2006, 2011 and 2016
50
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
Table 6 shows the age profile in numbers of the population of Cork City, Cork City and Suburbs
and the State for 2016. Of these, Cork City had the lowest proportion of pre-school children,
and children aged 5-14. The City had the highest proportion of persons of working age, 15-64
(70.0%), as well as the highest proportion of those aged 65 and over.
Table 6: Age Profile of Cork City, Cork City and Suburbs, and the State, 2016 (Source: CSO)
2016 Cork City Cork City and Suburbs State
0-4 6305 12652 331515
% of population 5.0% 6.1% 7.0%
5-14 11635 24129 675037
% of population 9.3% 11.6% 14.2%
15-64 87990 144013 3117746
% of population 70.0% 69.0% 65.5%
65-84 17593 25025 570012
% of population 14.0% 12.0% 12.0%
85+ 2134 2850 67555
% of population 1.7% 1.4% 1.4%
Total 125657 208669 4761865
Figure 5: AGE PROFILE OF CORK CITY, CORK CITY AND SUBURBS, AND THE STATE, 2016 (SOURCE: CSO)
Age Profile of Cork City, Cork City and Suburbs and the State, 2016
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
0-4 year olds 5-14 year olds 15-64 year olds 65-84 year olds 85+
Cork City Cork City and Suburbs State
Age Profile of Cork City, Cork City and Suburbs and the State, 2016
51
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
POPULATION AGED 0-4 IN CORK CITY
In Cork City in 2006 the ED with the highest proportion of the youngest population (0-4 year
olds) was Commons at 11.7% (over twice the Cork City rate of 4.8%). This ED decreased to
8.0% in 2011 and returned to the highest position with 8.5% in 2016 (Table 7). The same three
EDs appear in the top five list for the three censuses with the highest proportion of pre-
schoolers in Cork City: Commons, Knocknaheeny and Mahon B.
Table 7: EDs with the Highest Proportions of 0-4 Year Olds % (Source: CSO)
2006 % 2011 % 2016 %
Commons 11.7% Knocknaheeny 8.4% Commons 8.5%
Knocknaheeny 9.4% Mahon B 8.2% Knocknaheeny 7.6%
Mayfield 8.1% Commons 8.0% Farranferris B 7.4%
Mahon B 7.6% Shanakiel 8.0% Mahon B 7.4%
The Glen B 7.0% Gurranebraher D 7.4% Knockrea A 7.2%
Table 8: EDs with the Highest Numbers of 0-4 Year Olds (Source: CSO)
2006 Number 2011 Number 2016 Number
Knocknaheeny 428 Mahon B 399 Mahon B 366
Mahon B 322 Knocknaheeny 362 Mahon A 334
The Glen B 291 Mahon A 336 Knocknaheeny 306
Mahon A 283 Shanakiel 273 Bishopstown C 287
Mayfield 260 Bishopstown C 239 Shanakiel 257
52
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
For the population aged 5-14 two EDs feature in each census in the top five EDs with the
highest proportions of this age group: Mayfield and Knocknaheeny. In 2016, 16.2% of
Knocknaheeny’s and 14.9% of Mayfield’s populations were aged 5-14. The following tables
(Tables 9 and 10) illustrate that these proportions (as well as numbers) decreased over time.
Farranferris B and Knockrea B were also consistent with high proportions of this age group,
featuring twice in these census years.
Table 9: EDs with the Highest Proportions of 5-14 Year Olds % (Source: CSO)
2006 % 5-14 2011 % 5-14 2016 % 5-14
Mayfield 19.2% Knocknaheeny 17.9% Knocknaheeny 16.2%
Knocknaheeny 18.3% Mayfield 16.6% Mayfield 14.9%
Mahon B 17.0% Farranferris B 14.3% Gurranebraher A 14.7%
Fair Hill C 14.6% The Glen B 14.1% The Glen A 14.7%
Knockrea B 14.6% Knockrea B 13.9% Farranferris B 14.5%
Table 10: EDs with the Highest Numbers of 5-14 Year Olds (Source: CSO)
2006 Number 2011 Number 2016 Number
Knocknaheeny 832 Knocknaheeny 769 Mahon B 712
Mahon B 723 Mahon B 661 Mahon A 687
Mayfield 616 Mahon A 635 Knocknaheeny 656
Fair Hill C 587 The Glen B 532 Shanakiel 474
The Glen B 558 Mayfield 480 The Glen B 454
53
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
Togher
Mahon
Blackpool/The Glen/Mayfield
Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill/
Churchfield
Fairhill/Gurranabraher/
Farranree
Source: Esri, HERE, Garmin, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community
PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION THAT ARE AGED BETWEEN 0 AND 14, 2016 ±
0 1 20.5
Kilometers
% Population by ED
Cork City Boundary
Rapid Areas
Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill/Churchfield
Blackpool/The Glen/Mayfield
Fairhill/Gurranabraher/Farranree
Mahon
Togher
Less than 6%
6% to < 11%
11% to < 16%
16% to < 21%
Greater than 21%
POPULATION AGED 0 - 14
Figure 6 shows the distribution of the population aged between 0 and 14 in 2016.
Concentrations of this age group are evident around the south east (Mahon) and
pockets of the north of the city centre (Knocknaheeny/Commons/Mayfield).
Figure 6: PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION THAT ARE AGED BETWEEN 0 AND 14, 2016 (SOURCE: CSO)
54
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
15 – 24 YEARS
In 2016 60% (1,318) of the population in Gillabbey C were aged between 15 and 24. This ED
had the highest proportion of its population in this age group in the city and the proportion
(and numbers) of this age group increased with each census (Tables 11 and 12). This age group
increased by over 55% in Gillabbey C between 2006 and 2016.
Table 11: EDs with the Highest Proportions of 15-24 Year Olds % (Source: CSO)
2006 % 2011 % 2016 %
Bishopstown A 54.7% Gillabbey C 55.5% Gillabbey C 60.0%
Gillabbey C 52.4% Bishopstown A 47.6% Bishopstown A 54.5%
Gillabbey A 44.6% Mardyke 42.5% Gillabbey B 47.0%
Glasheen B 40.3% Gillabbey B 41.4% Glasheen B 39.1%
Mardyke 37.5% Glasheen B 37.5% Mardyke 38.3%
Table 12: EDs with the Highest Numbers of 15-24 Year Olds (Source: CSO)
2006 Number 2011 Number 2016 Number
Bishopstown C 1052 Bishopstown C 921 Gillabbey C 1318
Bishopstown A 926 Gillabbey C 868 Bishopstown A 1211
Gillabbey C 849 Mahon B 757 Gillabbey A 842
Fair Hill C 829 Gillabbey A 692 Bishopstown C 782
Mahon B 828 Knocknaheeny 657 Mahon B 644
55
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
25 – 39 YEARS
The ED with the largest proportion of its population aged 25-39 for 2006, 2011 and 2016
was South Gate A and proportions increased with each census. The EDs with the highest
proportions of 25-39 year olds are located in the centre of the city (Table 13). In 2016,
Mahon B was the ED with the largest number in this age group and shows an increase
in number with each census (Table 14).
Table 13: EDs with the Highest Proportions of 25-39 Year Olds (Source: CSO)
2006 % 2011 % 2016 %
South Gate A 48.7% South Gate A 50.7% South Gate A 51.5%
St. Patrick's A 42.0% Shandon A 48.9% Shandon A 50.9%
Sundays Well B 40.0% Centre B 46.7% Centre B 47.5%
Shandon B 39.9% Blackpool B 45.6% Centre A 46.5%
Centre A 39.3% Centre A 44.2% Shandon B 44.6%
Table 14: EDs with the Highest Numbers of 25-39 Year Olds (Source: CSO)
2006 Number 2011 Number 2016 Number
Knocknaheeny 1101 Mahon B 1331 Mahon B 1334
The Glen B 942 Mahon A 1264 Mahon A 1186
Mahon B 891 Shanakiel 1094 South Gate A 1113
Mahon A 871 Knocknaheeny 1033 Shanakiel 1036
Tramore C 871 South Gate A 1015 Centre B 1006
56
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
40 – 64 YEARS
36.8% of the population of Pouladuff B were aged between 40 and 64 in 2016 and this ED
had the highest proportion of this age group (Table 15). The ED with the highest number of
40-64 year olds was Mahon A, and numbers of this age group increased with each census
(as they did in Mahon B).
Table 15: EDs with the Highest Proportions of 40-64 Year Olds % (Source: CSO)
2006 % 2011 % 2016 %
Churchfield 36.3% Fair Hill C 36.7% Pouladuff B 36.8%
Turners Cross C 35.5% Ballyphehane B 36.5% Fair Hill C 36.5%
Gurranebraher B 34.9% Gurranebraher B 36.1% Pouladuff A 36.2%
Ballyphehane B 34.6% Pouladuff B 35.7% Tramore B 35.8%
Bishopstown D 34.3% Tivoli A 35.1% Knockrea B 35.7%
Table 16: EDs with the Highest Numbers of 40-64 Year Olds (Source: CSO)
2006 Number 2011 Number 2016 Number
Bishopstown C 1506 Mahon A 1479 Mahon A 1567
Fair Hill C 1372 Mahon B 1387 Mahon B 1509
The Glen B 1353 Fair Hill C 1365 Bishopstown C 1334
Mahon A 1351 Bishopstown C 1342 Fair Hill C 1316
Mahon B 1224 The Glen B 1322 The Glen B 1169
57
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
1.3 Working Age Population (15-64 years old)
The population of those of working age in Cork City decreased between
2006 and 2011 but saw a 5% increase between 2011 and 2016. In
2016 70% of the city’s population were of working age, marginally
higher than the City and Suburbs proportion and 4.5% higher than the
State. Three city centre EDs consistently have the highest proportions
of this age group: South Gate A, Centre A and St. Patrick’s A (Table
17). Mardyke was the only ED, of those shown below, to increase in
proportion between 2011 and 2016.
Table 17: EDs with the Highest Proportions of Working Age Population (Source: CSO)
2006 % 15-64 2011 % 15-64 2016 % 15-64
South Gate A 91.2% South Gate A 89.9% South Gate A 88.8%
Centre A 89.0% Centre A 89.0% Centre A 87.6%
St. Patrick's A 85.4% St. Patrick's A 86.6% Mardyke 86.5%
Bishopstown A 85.4% Gillabbey A 85.1% St. Patrick's A 85.3%
Blackpool B 83.9% Mardyke 84.4% Gillabbey C 85.1%
58
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
Figure 7 illustrates the geographical spread of the population aged 15 to 64 in Cork City.
mainly clustered in a band stretching from the city centre to the west, encompassing
Cork’s main third level institutes.
Togher
Mahon
Blackpool/The Glen/Mayfield
Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill/
Churchfield
Fairhill/Gurranabraher/
Farranree
Source: Esri, HERE, Garmin, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community
PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION THAT ARE AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 64, 2016 ±
0 1 20.5
Kilometers
% Population by ED
Cork City Boundary
Rapid Areas
Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill/Churchfield
Blackpool/The Glen/Mayfield
Fairhill/Gurranabraher/Farranree
Mahon
Togher
Less than 60%
60% to < 67%
67% to < 74%
74% to < 81%
Greater than 81%
Figure 7: PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 64 YEARS OLD, 2016 (SOURCE: CSO)
59
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
1.4 Dependent Population
POPULATION AGED 65+
Cork City’s population is ‘ageing’ i.e. the proportion of the population aged 65 and over is
increasing. In 2006 and 2011 one in seven persons was aged 65+. In 2016 the ratio was one in
six in Cork City (15.7%) and one in seven for both Cork City and Suburbs and the State.
The ED of Fair Hill B was the Electoral Division with the highest proportion of those aged 65+
in Cork City in 2006, 2011 and 2016. With almost a third of its population falling into this age
group at each census it was the ‘oldest’ ED in the city. Nationally, Fair Hill B ranks 13th in the list
of EDs with the highest proportions of populations aged 65+.
Togher B, Turners Cross D and Tramore A each appear in the top five twice out of each of the
three censuses (Table 18).
For each census under review, Bishopstown C was the ED with the highest number of those
aged 65 and over and, along with Glasheen C, Mahon C and Bishopstown E, numbers increased
with each census (Table 19). In 2016, Glasheen C had a high proportion and a relatively high
number of older persons.
Figure 8 presents the distribution of the population aged 65 and older. A small number of
concentrated pockets of this age group are evident, particularly in the south west of the city
in Bishopstown.
Table 18: EDs with the Highest Proportions of Those Aged 65+ (Source: CSO)
2006 % 65+ 2011 % 65+ 2016 % 65+
Fair Hill B 31.9% Fair Hill B 32.2% Fair Hill B 31.5%
Togher B 30.7% Togher B 29.0% Bishopstown D 29.1%
Turners Cross D 29.5% Tramore A 28.7% Glasheen C 27.7%
Tramore A 28.6% Glasheen C 27.9% Montenotte B 27.1%
Browningstown 25.0% Turners Cross D 26.8% Bishopstown C 26.4%
60
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
Table 19: EDs with the Highest Numbers of Those Aged 65 and Over (Source: CSO)
2006 Number 2011 Number 2016 Number
Bishopstown C 1165 Bishopstown C 1204 Bishopstown C 1298
Glasheen C 635 Mahon C 761 Mahon C 815
Montenotte B 585 Glasheen C 741 Glasheen C 757
Mahon C 574 Bishopstown E 646 Mahon A 735
Bishopstown E 530 Mahon A 620 Bishopstown E 679
AGED 85 AND OVER
Cork City has a marginally higher proportion of those aged 85 and older (1.7%) in 2016 compared
to the City and Suburbs and the State (both at 1.4%). The proportion of this older age group is
also increasing in the city from 1.3% in 2006 (1,540 persons) to 1.7% (2,134 persons) in 2016.
For Cork City, the City and Suburbs and the State, in 2016, the ratio of males to females is
similar with around a third of males and two thirds of females making up the gender profile
of those aged 85+.
Togher
Mahon
Blackpool/The Glen/Mayfield
Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill/
Churchfield
Fairhill/Gurranabraher/
Farranree
Source: Esri, HERE, Garmin, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community
PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION THAT ARE AGED 65 OR OLDER, 2016 ±
0 1 20.5
Kilometers
% Population by ED
Cork City Boundary
Rapid Areas
Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill/Churchfield
Blackpool/The Glen/Mayfield
Fairhill/Gurranabraher/Farranree
Mahon
Togher
Less than 10%
10% to < 15%
15% to < 20%
20% to < 25%
Greater than 25%
Figure 8: PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION THAT ARE AGED 65 OR OLDER, 2016 (SOURCE: CSO)
61
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
AGE DEPENDENCY RATIO
Dependents are defined as those outside the normal working age of 15-64. The age
dependency ratio numerates the proportion of the population not in the workforce (children
and retired people) who are ‘dependent’ on the proportion in the workforce. The dependency
ratio is a figure used to indicate the age structure of the population. The general ratio is made
up of the ‘young ratio’ of those aged between 0 and 14 and the ‘old ratio’ of those aged 65 and
over. The dependency ratio is the total number of people making up these two age groups
shown as a percentage of those of working age (15-64). The ratio is an imperfect measure of
actual dependency as it does not take into account those in third level education or people
over the age of 65 who are working (CSO).
Nationally, Cork City had the second lowest dependency ratio in the State at 42.8%, just
behind Galway City at 39% in 2016. The following table shows the dependency ratio steadily
increasing from 2006 to 2016 in Cork City by 1.3 percentage points. The national ratio
increased also but by relatively higher percentage points (6.9), from 45.8% in 2006, to 49.3%
in 2011 to 52.7% in 2016. During the recession, between 2006 and 2011, the number of those
aged from 15-64 decreased by 624 in Cork City whilst those dependent on them increased by
436. Between 2011 and 2016, the number of 15-64 year olds increased by 4207 and the number
dependent on them increased by 2220.
Table 21 and Figure 9 illustrate that the youth dependency ratio is decreasing, and the old age
dependency ratio is increasing in Cork City.
Table 20: Dependency Ratios for Cork City: 2006, 2011 and 2016 (Source: CSO)
Cork City 2006 2011 2016
Dependency Ratio 41.5 42.3 42.8
Table 21: Youth and Old Age Dependency Ratios for Cork City: 2006, 2011 and 2016 (Source: CSO)
Cork City 2006 2011 2016
Youth Dependency Ratio 21.5% 20.9% 20.4%
Old Age Dependency Ratio 20.0% 21.4% 22.4%
62
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
AGE DEPENDENCY RATIOS IN CORK CITY’S EDS
Table 22 shows the EDs with the highest age dependency ratios. Fair Hill B featured in each
census as one of the top five EDs with the highest age dependency ratios although its rate of
dependency decreased between 2011 and 2016. Togher B and Browningstown featured twice
in the top five. In 2006, Togher B’s dependency ratio was high (for every two people of working
age, there were eight ‘dependents’) but this too fell by the 2011 census. Browningstown’s ratio
however increased from 71.4% in 2011 to 77.6% in 2016.
Table 22: EDs with the Highest Age Dependency Ratios (Source: CSO)
2006 Ratio 2011 Ratio 2016 Ratio
Togher B 81.7 Fairhill B 76.6 Browningstown 77.6
Fairhill B 76.6 Togher B 72.0 Fairhill B 71.9
Tramore A 74.4 Browningstown 71.4 Bishopstown D 71.1
Turners Cross D 69.5 Fairhill A 68.6 Mahon C 67.1
Farranferris C 66.8 Glasheen C 67.4 Montenotte B 64.8
Table 23: EDs with the Lowest Age Dependency Ratios (Source: CSO)
2006 Ratio 2011 Ratio 2016 Ratio
Southgate A 9.7 South Gate A 11.3 South Gate A 12.6
Centre A 12.4 Centre A 12.3 Centre A 14.2
St. Patrick’s A 17.0 St. Patrick’s A 15.5 Mardyke 15.5
Bishopstown A 17.1 Gillabbey A 17.6 St. Patrick’s A 17.2
Blackpool B 19.1 Mardyke 18.4 Gillabbey C 17.5
63
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
Figure 9: YOUTH AND OLD AGE DEPENDENCY RATIOS FOR CORK CITY: 2006, 2011 AND 2016 (SOURCE: CSO)
YOUTH DEPENDENCY RATIO
The youth dependency ratio is the number of young people aged 0 -14 as a percentage of the
population aged 15-64. Mayfield and Knocknaheeny featured in each census in the top five EDs
with the highest youth dependency ratios (Table 24). However, ratios in both EDs decreased with
each successive census. Knockrea B and Farranferris B featured twice each between the three
censuses. Knockrea B’s ratio decreased and Farranferris B marginally increased.
Table 24: EDs with the Highest Youth Dependency Ratios (Source: CSO)
2006 Ratio 2011 Ratio 2016 Ratio
Mayfield 42.9 Knocknaheeny 39.2 Knocknaheeny 36.2
Knocknaheeny 41.2 Mayfield 36.9 Browningstown 35.2
Mahon B 35.5 Farranferris B 35.0 Farranferris B 35.2
Knockrea B 33.9 Fairhill A 32.2 Commons 33.5
Commons 33.6 Knockrea B 31.6 Mayfield 33.4
Youth and Old Age Dependency Ratios for Cork City, 2006, 2011 and 2016
19.0%
20.0%
21.0%
22.0%
23.0%
2006 2011 2016
Youth Dependency Ratio Old Age Dependency Ratio
Youth and Old Age Dependency Ratios for Cork City 2006, 2011 and 2016
64
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
OLD AGE DEPENDENCY RATIO
The Old Age dependency ratio is the number of older people aged 65+ as a percentage of
the population aged 15-64. Fair Hill B had the highest old age dependency ratio at each
census although its ratio decreased by 2016.
Table 25: EDs with the Highest Old Age Dependency Ratios (Source: CSO)
2006 Ratio 2011 Ratio 2016 Ratio
Fairhill B 56.3 Fairhill B 56.8 Fairhill B 54.1
Togher B 55.7 Togher B 49.9 Bishopstown D 49.8
Turners Cross D 50.0 Glasheen C 46.7 Glasheen C 45.4
Tramore A 49.9 Tramore A 46.2 Montenotte B 44.7
Browningstown 41.5 Turners Cross D 43.5 Bishopstown C 43.3
AGED 65+ AND GENDER
The proportion of the population aged 65+ is growing through each census and, of those aged
65+, males are increasing more than females in Cork City. In 2006 in Cork City there were
16,847 people aged 65+ (14.1% of the population); 41.6% male and 58.4% female. In 2011 there
were 17,950 people aged 65+ (15.1% of the total population); 42.8% male and 57.2% female.
In 2016 there were 19,727 people aged 65+ (15.7% of the total population); 43.9% male and
56.1% female. In 2016 in Cork City and Suburbs, there were 27,875 people aged 65+ (13.4%
of the population); 44.6% male and 55.4% female. In the State in 2016 there were 637,567
people aged 65+; 47% male and 53% female.
65
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
1.5 Population Density, Births, Life Expectancy, Deaths and Causes of Death
Population density is the measurement of the number of people occupying a geographical area in
proportion to the size of that area. Across the State the population density in urban areas in 2016
was 2,006 persons per km2 compared to 27 persons per km2 in rural areas. Comparing Cork City
and Suburbs to Dublin City and Suburbs the population density was 1,197.6 and 3,677.5 persons
per km2 respectively. In 2016 the population density of the State was 70.0 persons per km.2
Table 26 displays the population density of Cork City featuring the 10 most and least densely
populated EDs in 2016. The most densely populated ED was Shandon B and the least densely
populated was Knockrea B.
Table 27 illustrates the EDs which have undergone the largest population changes from 2011
to 2016. The population of Bishopstown A increased by a remarkable 67.6% (its population
in 2011 was 1,326 and in 2016 was 2,223).
Table 26: Cork City EDs , Most and Least Densely Populated, 2016 (Source: CSO)
Most densely populated Persons per km2 Least densely populated Persons per km2
Shandon B 14587.2 Knockrea B 764.8
South Gate B 13616.4 Commons 765.2
Gurranebraher D 11194.5 Bishopstown A 1451.2
South Gate A 11079.7 Mahon B 1618.6
Shandon A 9768.1 Tivoli A 1794.9
Gurranebraher A 9449.4 Turners Cross D 1829
St. Patrick's C 8556.2 Tivoli B 1885.9
Gurranebraher C 8266.7 Ballyphehane B 1903.8
Gurranebraher E 8188.2 Farranferris C 1937.1
Farranferris A 8177.8 Bishopstown B 2028.5
66
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
Table 27: EDs with the Greatest Population Changes (%) from 2011 to 2016 (Source: CSO)
Greatest population increases % Change Greatest population decreases % Change
Bishopstown A 67.6 Pouladuff A -9.5
Gillabbey C 40.6 Knocknaheeny -6
Shandon B 32.5 Knockrea B -6
Mardyke 32.1 Tramore A -5.9
Gillabbey A 24.6 Fair Hill B -4
St. Patrick's A 24 Ballyphehane B -3.4
Sundays Well B 22.7 Togher A -3.1
South Gate B 21.8 Fair Hill C -2.8
Blackpool B 19.6 Turners Cross B -2.4
Turners Cross C 19.1 Montenotte B -2.3
BIRTHS
From 2013 to 2016 the annual birthrate in Cork City fluctuated within a range of approximately
100 births. In 2013 there were 1,488 births, 1,531 in 2014, 1,494 in 2015 and 1,383 in 2016.
Comparing Cork City, Dublin City and national data on births within marriage, results show
that Cork City has the highest ‘births outside marriage’ rate of the three. For each of these
years, just over half of the city’s births were ‘within marriage’: for example, 50.3% in 2013 and
51.6% in 2016. Nationally, the percentage of births within marriage is higher, ranging from
64.7% in 2013 to 63.5% in 2016. In Dublin City, births within marriage ranged from 56.4% in
2013 to 57.9% in 2016. In 2016 the average age of first time mothers is similar across each
location. Cork City has the youngest average of first time mothers at 30.3 years, nationally
it’s 30.9 years and in Dublin City it is 31.2 years.
LIFE EXPECTANCY
Life expectancy for both women and men is rising in Ireland. A male born in 1995 could expect
to live 72.8 years and a female 78.3 years. A male born in 201512 could expect to live to 79.6
years and a female 83.4 years. These figures represent a 9.3% change for males and a 6.5%
change for females between 1995 and 2015.13 In 1995 a 75-year-old male could expect to live
another 7.8 years and in 2015 could expect to live another 11.1 years. A 75-year-old female in
1995 could expect to live another 10.3 years and a 75-year-old in 1995 could expect another
13.0 years of life.
12 - https://health.gov.ie/publica-tions-research/statistics/statis-tics-by-topic/life-expectancy/.
13 - https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/healthwellbeing/healthy-ire-land/publications/health-in-ire-land-key-trends-20171.pdf.
67
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
DEATHS
Of the 1,129 persons who died in 2016 in Cork City 82.5% were aged 65+; 400 (35.4%)
were aged 75-84 and 344 (30.5%) were 85 or over.
Table 28: All Births and Deaths, Cork City, 2013 to 2016 (Source: CSO)
Cork City 2013 2014 2015 2016
All Births 1488 1531 1494 1382
All Deaths 1088 1023 1098 1129
Table 29: Number and Proportions of People Who Died in Cork City, Dublin City and Nationally in 2016 (Source: CSO)
2016 Number of people who died Proportion of the population who died
State 30390 0.6%
Dublin City 4110 0.7%
Cork City 1129 0.9%
CAUSES OF DEATH: CORK (CITY AND COUNTY) AND NATIONALLY (ALL AGES)
The four principal causes of death in Ireland are Circulatory Diseases, Cancer, Respiratory
Diseases and Injuries and Poisonings.14 Table 30 presents data on mortality for these conditions
from 2011 to 2016 for Cork (City and County) and Ireland. The most common cause of death is
from circulatory diseases and, comparing Cork to national figures, the city had a higher death
rate each year apart from 2011. The death rate from Circulatory Diseases for Cork and Ireland
peaked in 2012 (at 380.07 per 100,000 and 360.47 per 100,000 respectively). The rate for Cork
reduced in 2013 and again in 2014 but increased in 2015 and again in 2016. Nationally, the rate
reduced between 2015 and 2016 to its lowest level for these years (312.15 per 100,000).
Rates of death from Cancer in Cork and nationally reduced between 2011 and 2016. In 2016,
22 (per 100,000) fewer persons died from Cancer than in 2011 in Cork and nationally the
number of people was 25 (per 100,000).
From 2011 to 2016, the rate of death from Respiratory Diseases was higher nationally than it was
for Cork. The highest number of deaths nationally occurred in 2015 with 138.86 per 100,000. In
Cork, for the same years, deaths from Respiratory Diseases peaked in 2013 at 127.52 per 100,000.
14 - Source: Public Health Information System, Department of Health (Edition: December 2017)
NOTE: All Circulatory System Diseases includes Heart Disease & Stroke. Injury & Poisonings includes Road Traffic Accidents & Suicide.
68
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
For each year presented, the number of deaths from injury and poisoning was higher in
Cork than nationally. The highest number of deaths occurred in 2011 for Cork and Ireland.
Considering the years 2011 and 2016, approximately 10 fewer people per 100,000 died as
a result of injury or poisoning in Cork and Ireland.
Table 30: Trends in Death Rates by Causes of Death, Cork City and County, 2011-2016 (All Ages)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Cancer Cork 299.27 296.74 292.33 269.86 278.97 277.71
Cancer Ireland 299.6 290.13 288.79 290.31 277.6 274.64
Circulatory Diseases Cork 356.51 380.07 365.95 339.21 342.81 348.19
Circulatory Diseases Ireland 358.65 360.47 354.82 319.92 329.98 312.15
Respiratory Diseases Cork 114.61 117.14 127.52 114.43 124.59 119.45
Respiratory Diseases Ireland 137.95 137.6 135.6 129.59 138.86 132.65
Injury & Poisoning Cork 53.46 48.83 42.19 48.15 44.01 43.36
Injury & Poisoning Ireland 43.65 40.91 38.06 39.77 33.54 33.71
15 - Age Standardisation allows pop-ulations to be compared when the age profiles of those populations are different.
Figure 10: TRENDS IN DEATH RATES BY CAUSES OF DEATH, CORK CITY AND COUNTY, 2011-2016 (ALL AGES). 15
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Dire
ct a
ge-s
tand
ardi
sed
mor
talit
y ra
te p
er 10
0,00
0 po
pula
tion.
Trends in death rates for the four principal causes of death, single-year age standardised mortality data 2011-2016 , all ages compared to Ireland. Data is for Cork City and Cork County
Cancer Cork Cancer Ireland Circulatory Disease s Cork
Circulatory Disease s Ireland Respiratory Diseases Cork Respiratory Diseases Ireland
injury & Poisoning Cork Injury & Poisoning Ireland
Trends in Death Rates by Cause of Death (All Ages) Cork City and County, 2011-2016
69
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
CAUSES OF DEATH: CORK (CITY AND COUNTY) AND NATIONALLY (LESS THAN 65 YEARS OLD)
Table 31 covers the numbers of deaths per 100,000 for the four principal causes of death in
Ireland between 2011 and 2016 for persons aged under 65. The main cause of death for this
age group is Cancer. Nationally, results show a positive trend with the number falling each year
from 2011 to 2016. This differs from the Cork results. Whereas Cork had fewer deaths in 2011
and 2012 than the State, the number of deaths in 2016 compared to 2011 figures increased.
In Cork the second greatest cause of death in 2011 and 2012 was from ‘injury and poisoning’
and from 2013 to 2016 was Circulatory Diseases. Results show that both nationally and in Cork
there is a general positive trend in terms of deaths from injury and poisoning and circulatory
diseases from 2011 to 2016.
Deaths from respiratory diseases between 2011 and 2016 were lower in Cork than nationally,
however there is a general trend towards increasing numbers of deaths from these diseases,
notably in Cork (increasing from 4.6 per 100,000 in 2011 to 7.52 per 100,000 in 2016).
Table 31: Trends in Death Rates by Cause of Death, Cork City and County, 2011-2016 (Under 65)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Cancer Cork 67.89 67.11 71.18 72.01 61.86 69.4
Cancer Ireland 74.3 71.8 70.84 69.97 66.81 64.05
Circulatory Diseases Cork 31.36 29.71 29.73 36.28 35.95 31.05
Circulatory Diseases Ireland 37.42 37.31 35.56 34.17 34.06 32.54
Respiratory Diseases Cork 4.6 5.53 6.42 5.27 7.31 7.52
Respiratory Diseases Ireland 7.62 7.14 7.34 6.88 7.72 8.7
Injury & Poisoning Cork 40.39 35.62 28.98 30.92 29.68 29.21
Injury & Poisoning Ireland 32.94 30.89 28.63 27.54 23.98 23.7
70
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
Figure 11: TRENDS IN DEATH RATES BY CAUSE OF DEATH, CORK CITY AND COUNTY, 2011-2016 (UNDER 65)
Figure 12: MARITAL STATUS, CORK CITY, 2006, 2011 AND 2016 (SOURCE: CSO)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
Dire
ct a
ge-s
tand
ardi
sed
mor
talit
y ra
te p
er 10
0,00
0 po
pula
tion
Trends in death rates for the four principal causes of death, single-year age standardised mortality data 2011-2016 for under 65 years (premature mortality) compared to Ireland.
Data is for Cork City and Cork County
Cancer Cork Cancer Ireland Circulatory Disease s Cork
Circulatory Disease s Ireland Respiratory Diseases Cork Respiratory Diseases Ireland
injury & Poisoning Cork Injury & Poisoning Ireland
Marital Status, Cork City, 2006, 2011 and 2016
0.0%
15.0%
30.0%
45.0%
60.0%
Single Married Separated or Divorced Widowed
2006 2011 2016
Trends in Death Rates by Cause of Death (Under 65 Years) Cork City and County, 2011-2016
Marital Status Cork City, 2006, 2011 and 2016
71
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
1.6 Marital Status (of the population aged 15+)
In Cork City ‘single people’ made up the largest proportion of those aged 15 and over for the
three censuses under review. The proportion of the population has been marginally increasing
in Cork City with the actual number of single people increasing by 4,439 (8.6%) from 2011 to
2016. Conversely, the proportion of ‘married’ has been decreasing by similar percentages.
Separation and divorce are increasing and the proportion of ‘widowed’ is decreasing (Table 32).
Table 33 illustrates that the proportion of the ‘single’ population in Cork City showed the
greatest increase, with the widowed population reducing by 0.4%.
Table 32: Marital Status, Cork City (Source: CSO)
Marital Status for the population aged 15+ 2006 2011 2016
Single 50.3% 50.6% 51.9%
Married 37.9% 37.3% 36.4%
Separated or Divorced 5.1% 5.8% 5.7%
Widowed 6.7% 6.4% 6.0%
Table 33: Marital Status, Cork City, Percentage Change from 2011 to 2016 (Source: CSO)
Cork City 2011 % Change 2016
Single 51460 8.6% 55899
Married 37944 3.4% 39222
Separated or Divorced 5851 5.0% 6145
Widowed 6478 -0.4% 6451
72
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
Comparing Cork City to the City and Suburbs and the State in 2016, Table 34 illustrates that
Cork City’s proportion of single people is over 10% higher than the State (51.9% versus 41.1%
respectively). The proportion of married people in the State, however, is 11% higher than Cork
City. The State has a marginally higher proportion (than Cork City) of separated or divorced
persons and a 0.8% lower proportion of those widowed.
Table 34: Marital Status for Cork City, Cork City and Suburbs, and the State, 2016 (Source: CSO)
Marital Status Cork City Cork City and Suburbs State
Single 51.9% 47.4% 41.1%
Married 36.4% 42.0% 47.7%
Separated or Divorced 5.7% 5.5% 5.9%
Widowed 6.0% 5.1% 5.2%
Figure 13: MARITAL STATUS FOR CORK CITY, CORK CITY AND SUBURBS, AND THE STATE, 2016 (SOURCE: CSO)
Marital Status for Cork city, Cork Suburbs and the State 2016
0.0%
15.0%
30.0%
45.0%
60.0%
Single Married Separated or Divorced Widowed
Cork City Cork City and Suburbs State
Marital Status Cork City, City and Suburbs, and the State, 2016
73
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
ELECTORAL DIVISIONS (SINGLE)
In 2016 Gillabbey C was the ED with the highest proportion of single persons. 81.4% of its 15+
population were single, almost twice that of the State (41.1%). South Gate A also features
across the three censuses in the top five with the highest proportions of single people. Tables
35 and 36 illustrate the five EDs with the highest and lowest proportions of single populations
for the three censuses. Browningstown has consistently been the ED with the lowest
proportion of single people and Mahon C consistently the second lowest.
Table 35: EDs with the Highest Proportions of Single Persons (Source: CSO)
2006 Highest 2011 Highest 2016 Highest
South Gate A 79.1% Gillabbey C 76.7% Gillabbey C 81.4%
Gillabbey A 77.9% South Gate A 75.4% Bishopstown A 75.7%
Bishopstown A 76.8% Gillabbey A 74.4% Gillabbey B 74.8%
Gillabbey C 76.2% Shandon B 72.4% Gillabbey A 72.9%
Centre B 72.5% Gillabbey B 71.1% South Gate A 72.7%
Table 36: EDs with the Lowest Proportions of Single Persons (Source: CSO)
2006 Lowest 2011 Lowest 2016 Lowest
Browningstown 33.6% Browningstown 31.5% Browningstown 29.5%
Mahon C 34.6% Mahon C 34.3% Mahon C 33.2%
Fair Hill B 35.8% Turners Cross D 36.8% Ballinlough B 35.6%
Togher B 36.8% Fair Hill B 37.1% Tramore B 37.0%
Tramore B 37.4% Montenotte B 37.4% Turners Cross D 37.4%
74
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
ELECTORAL DIVISIONS (MARRIED)
Browningstown and Gillabbey C feature prominently in the marital status category of
‘married’ (highest and lowest proportions) across each census. Browningstown is the ED
with the highest proportion of ‘married’ and this increased with each census. Mahon C and the
Glen B also feature in each census in the top five EDs with the highest proportions of ‘married.’
Gillabbey C (married proportion decreasing with each census) and South Gate A (married
proportion increasing with each census) appear in each census in the top five EDs with the
lowest proportions of ‘married.’
Table 37: EDs with the Highest Proportions of Married Persons (Source: CSO)
2006 Highest 2011 Highest 2016 Highest
Browningstown 54.7% Browningstown 56.6% Browningstown 57.0%
Mahon C 53.9% The Glen B 53.0% Ballinlough B 53.8%
The Glen B 50.4% Tivoli B 52.8% Mahon C 52.8%
Tivoli B 50.1% Mahon C 52.4% The Glen B 52.3%
Bishopstown D 50.0% Ballinlough B 50.8% Tramore B 51.9%
Table 38: EDs with the Lowest Proportions of Married Persons (Source: CSO)
2006 Lowest 2011 Lowest 2016 Lowest
South Gate A 14.7% Shandon B 16.6% Gillabbey C 15.0%
Gillabbey A 16.5% Gillabbey B 16.8% Gillabbey B 15.2%
Centre B 17.0% South Gate A 17.3% South Gate B 17.6%
Gillabbey C 17.9% Gillabbey C 17.4% Bishopstown A 18.3%
Bishopstown A 18.2% Gillabbey A 18.4% South Gate A 19.5%
75
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
ELECTORAL DIVISIONS (SEPARATED)
For each census Gurranebraher B has been the ED with the highest proportion of separated
persons. In 2016 6.0% of its population were separated. In 2006 and 2016 it was also the
ED with the highest proportion of divorced. Although this ED has been consistently high for
separation, its proportions decreased with each census. Mayfield also featured in the top five
EDs with the highest proportions of separated persons and, similar to Gurranebraher B, its
proportions decreased with each census.
Gillabbey C and Bishopstown A (EDs with the highest ‘single’ populations) featured in each
census in the top five EDs with the lowest proportions of separated persons.
Table 39: EDs with the Highest Proportions of Separated Persons (Source: CSO)
2006 Highest 2011 Highest 2016 Highest
Gurranebraher B 7.7% Gurranebraher B 7.1% Gurranebraher B 6.0%
Mayfield 7.3% Fair Hill A 6.2% Farranferris A 5.9%
Blackpool A 6.1% Blackpool A 6.1% Fair Hill A 5.5%
The Glen A 6.0% Mayfield 5.9% Mayfield 5.5%
Knocknaheeny 5.7% Farranferris A 5.4% The Glen A 4.9%
Table 40: EDs with the Lowest Proportions of Separated Persons (Source: CSO)
2006 Lowest 2011 Lowest 2016 Lowest
Gillabbey C 0.7% Glasheen A 0.8% Gillabbey C 0.7%
Bishopstown A 1.1% Gillabbey C 0.8% Bishopstown A 1.0%
Mardyke 1.6% Bishopstown A 1.4% Glasheen B 1.1%
Turners Cross D 1.7% Bishopstown E 1.5% Glasheen A 1.1%
Glasheen B 1.7% Ballinlough B 1.7% Gurranebraher A 1.3%
76
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
ELECTORAL DIVISIONS (DIVORCE)
Evident from the following tables is the trend towards increasing levels of divorce. In 2006
Gurranebraher B was the ED with the highest divorced population, and also in 2016 when
its proportion had increased to 6.0% of its population. Across Electoral Divisions, the
proportions are generally increasing with each census.
Table 41: EDs with the Highest Proportions of Divorced Persons (Source: CSO)
2006 Highest 2011 Highest 2016 Highest
Gurranebraher B 3.7% St. Patrick's A 4.5% Gurranebraher B 6.0%
St. Patrick's A 3.6% South Gate B 4.2% Gurranebraher C 5.6%
Shandon B 3.4% Blackpool B 4.0% Fair Hill B 4.6%
St. Patrick's C 3.3% St. Patrick's B 3.9% Blackpool B 4.6%
Centre A 3.2% Farranferris A 3.9% South Gate B 4.5%
Table 42: EDs with the Lowest Proportions of Divorced Persons (Source: CSO)
2006 Lowest 2011 Lowest 2016 Lowest
Gillabbey C 0.5% Bishopstown A 0.8% Gillabbey C 0.5%
Togher B 0.5% Gillabbey C 1.0% Bishopstown A 0.7%
Greenmount 0.6% Glasheen A 1.1% Farranferris C 1.2%
The Glen B 0.8% Gurranebraher D 1.1% Glasheen B 1.5%
Bishopstown D 0.8% City Hall B 1.1% Glasheen A 1.7%
77
CORK CITY PROFILE 2018 SECTION 01 DEMOGRAPHY
ELECTORAL DIVISIONS (WIDOWED)
Across the State 5.2% of the population were widowed in 2016. In Cork City and Suburbs
the rate was 5.1% and in Cork City it was 6.0%. In 2016 Fair Hill B was the ED with the highest
widowed population (13.8%). In 2006, 2011 and 2016 the same 4 EDs feature in the top five EDs
with the highest proportions of widowed persons: Fair Hill B, Tramore A, Togher B and Turners
Cross D. Each of these EDs had over twice the State-wide proportion in 2016, the proportions
had decreased between 2011 and 2016.
The EDs with the lowest proportions of widowed persons in 2016 were South Gate A,
St. Patrick’s A, Centre A, Mardyke and Gillabbey A.
Table 43: EDs with the Highest Proportions of Widowed Persons (Source: CSO)
2006 Highest 2011 Highest 2016 Highest
Tramore A 16.4% Fair Hill B 14.1% Fair Hill B 13.8%
Fair Hill B 13.5% Togher B 12.4% Tramore A 11.7%
Turners Cross D 12.5% Tramore A 11.9% Togher B 11.6%
Fair Hill A 12.3% Turners Cross D 11.5% Turners Cross D 11.4%
Togher B 11.9% Pouladuff B 10.8% Montenotte B 10.4%
Table 44: EDs with the Lowest Proportions of Widowed Persons (Source: CSO)
2006 Lowest 2011 Lowest 2016 Lowest
South Gate A 1.7% South Gate A 1.9% South Gate A 1.4%
Gillabbey A 2.6% St. Patrick's A 2.0% St. Patrick's A 1.8%
St. Patrick's A 2.9% Centre A 2.1% Centre A 1.9%
Bishopstown A 3.1% Gillabbey A 2.6% Mardyke 2.1%
Shanakiel 3.4% Blackpool B 3.0% Gillabbey A 2.3%