Aisling Dolan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The preliminary results from the census have just come out and for the first time since 1841, we have 5.1 million people living in Ireland, which is pretty incredible. It is really crucial that we see Ireland as a country, State and democracy that is standing tall on its own two feet.

The initial preliminary census data takes into account more than 2.1 million homes, which is an increase of 120,000. It also gives details on the vacancy rate, which is close to 8%. I think it is 7.8% in terms of vacant homes, which is approximately 160,000. It states that is a drop of nearly 9% from 2016, however.

I call for a debate on the Croí Cónaithe or towns fund, which is separate to the cities fund. The Croí Cónaithe is about above-shop living in our rural towns and villages. The Minister of State, Deputy Peter Burke, came to Ballinasloe and visited businesses in the area. There is such demand because there is real potential for so many shops and vacant areas in our towns to perhaps make those above-shop areas residential and support businesses to give them an incentive to do that.

I wish everyone a happy Pride and hope that we all have a great weekend. The festival is in Dublin this weekend. The Galway Pride Festival is on in August so we might invite all of our Dublin brethren to come down to the west and celebrate with us.