Population

In 2002 the population of County Limerick was 121,281, which showed an increase of 7.3% on the 1996 figure.

County Limerick is unique in that it has a large number of small centers of population, with 71% of people living in rural areas or settlements with a population below 1,500.

Areas adjacent to Limerick City (within approximately 20 kilometers radius) have shown an increasing population. That was especially noticeable in the Suburbs of Limerick, where the population grew almost 23% since 1996.

Only two main towns of County Limerick, Rathkeale and Foynes, showed a drop in population from 1996 to 2002. Many other main towns showed a major increase in their population, such as Abbeyfeale (13.3%), Kilmallock (10.6%), Askeaton (8.2%) and Newcastle West (11%).

The population of County Limerick is projected to increase to over 135,000 by 2011