Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 209: To ask the Taoiseach if, arising from the latest census of population, reference will be made to the town of Foxford, County Mayo, based on its population as distinct from townlands currently mentioned, that is, Toomore and Srahnalee; his views on whether such direct reference will be beneficial in the context of attractiveness for location of investment and industry both foreign and indigenous; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35636/06]

Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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Information in the preliminary census report published on 19 July was based on summaries prepared by the 4,400 enumerators of the enumerated population. The lowest level of geography distinguished in the report was Electoral Divisions (EDs). This was possible as the enumeration areas chosen for census collection were organised along ED lines.

Processing of the 1.5 million census forms is currently ongoing with a target date of April 2007 for publication of the Principal Demographic Results. Volume 1, dealing with Areas, which is due to be published in May 2007 will give population figures for every town with 50 or more occupied households. This will include the town of Foxford in County Mayo. It is important to bear in mind that in addition to publishing the population of legally defined towns, other towns are also shown. This requires a careful examination of enumerator maps to determine the precise boundary of the town at the time of the census, taking account of housing development since the previous census.

The small area population statistics give a breakdown of the demographic and social characteristics of the various towns throughout the State. This has proven to be an invaluable aid to planners, those in market research and the public at large.