Pilot project sees Census forms moving online

People around the country are being invited to take part in a Census pilot survey where, for the first time in Irish history, they can fill out their census form online.

The project is part of the Central Statistics Office's preparations for Census 2027.

20,000 homes in 44 areas in six counties have been invited to take part in the pilot which is testing out some new questions and how well the online form works - but people can also opt to fill out a paper version if they want.

Earlier this month letters of invitation have been posted to homes in the selected pilot areas in counties Cork, Dublin, Kilkenny, Louth, Mayo and Offaly.

However people living outside of these areas are also welcome to get involved, as anyone can fill out the online census form by logging onto censuspilot.ie.

The CSO has written some new Census questions, as well as updates to existing census questions, following a public consultation on the potential content of the Census 2027.

New questions on the Census Pilot Survey include:

• where a household's car(s) is/are parked overnight [to gather insights on potential placement of electric chargers];
• whether your gender is the same or different to the sex recorded at birth;
• your sexual orientation;
• how you would self-report your mental health.

Responses to this pilot survey will then be analysed and used to guide the final recommendations of the Census Advisory Group on what will go into Census 2027, which will then be put forward for government approval.

The online form has been live since 2 September, and today is officially Census Pilot Survey day.

While the online survey will remain open after tonight, people are being encouraged, where possible, to fill out their forms today.