Mullingar's population growing faster than Athlone's

Mullingar's population is growing faster than Athlone's.

That's according to the latest census figures released today which revealed that the population of Mullingar on April 3 last year was 22,667, an increase of 1,739 (8.3%) from the 2016 census when the population was 20,928.

While Athlone's population on census night (22,869) was larger than Mullingar's, the rate of growth (7.12% or 1,520 people) is slower. It is also worth noting that Athlone's population figure includes the urban area of the town within the local authority area of Roscommon

The figures makes Mullingar the 20th largest urban settlement in the country (including cities), and the 15th largest town.

The new figures have also revealed that Kinnegad (3,064) has overtaken Moate (3,013) as Westmeath's third largest town. Kilbeggan makes up the top five, with a population of 1,575.

Kinnegad is also Westmeath's youngest town with an average age of 34.1 years, while Castlepollard (census night population 1,349) is the oldest with an average age of with an average age of 39.3 years. Nationally, the average age was 38.8 years.

In April 2022, 52% of Westmeath’s usual residents (50,115 people) were born in the county. A further 29% (27,937) were born elsewhere in the State. The remaining 18% (17,565) were born outside the State, which was up from 16% in 2016.

Cork (72%) had the highest number of usual residents that were born in the county, while Meath (32%) had the lowest.

Nationally, 20% of the usually resident population in April 2022 was born outside of the State.

The figures show that Drogheda is the country's largest town, with a population of 44,135, followed by Dundalk, Swords, Navan and Bray, in the top 5.

Westmeath towns' populations on census night

Athlone: 22,869

Mullingar: 22,667

Kinnegad: 3,064

Moate: 3,013

Kilbeggan: 1,575

Killucan-Rathwire: 1,574

Rochfortbridge: 1,498

Castlepollard: 1,349

Delvin: 714

Clonmellon: 702

Tyrrellspass: 480

Ballymore: 478

Multyfarnham: 460

Collinstown: 351

Castletown Geoghegan: 297

Baylin: 284

Glasson: 218

Ballynacargy: 215

Rathowen: 187

Raharney: 174

Ballinalack: 161