3.2 Demographics

3.2 Demographics

3.2.1 Population

The 2016 Census recorded a population of 4,820 for Listowel Town (& environs), which based on changes to the census boundary of the town, reflects a static population. The Listowel urban area recorded an average age of 40.3, which is an increase on the average age of 38.9 in 2011 and is reflective of the ageing population of the County overall.

The population allocation as contained in the Core Strategy of the Kerry County Development Plan 2022-2028 for the town of Listowel is 529. It is the intention therefore to make provision for the development of 415 residential units.

When allocating for future growth, the council had regard to the principle outlined in the Core Strategy (see Volume 1, Chapter 3.10.3).

The following chart indicates the demographics of Listowel “at a glance” (CSO Census 2016).

3.2.2 Housing Land Requirement

The Core Strategy envisages a population growth of 529 persons over the lifetime of the plan. This population growth equates to 415 residential units.  As outlined in Volume 1, Chapter 3 (Core Strategy) and Chapter 4 (Towns & Villages), the Council promotes a plan led approach to residential development. A principal tenet of this is the need to adopt a sequential approach to zoning of residential lands, extending outwards from the centre of an urban area, in line with the provision of infrastructure. Additional headroom of 20% is included in the land requirements to allow for the provision of competition, the avoidance of market monopoly and the non-availability of zoned lands. The majority of lands are centrally located, within walking distance to the town centre. It is envisaged that 30% of new housing in Listowel will be on infill and brownfield sites. The provision of the required housing units shall occur within the town boundary in accordance with the Core Strategy.