Population and demographic shifts are important considerations in infrastructure development. Our population is currently estimated at just over 1.7 million and is predicted to continue rising – potentially reaching 1.8 million by 2011 and 2 million by 2030.[1] Recent research[2] indicates that the projected increase is due to natural growth, increasing fertility and inward migration.
Projections also indicate a marked increase in the size of the older population. The average age is expected to rise from 36 years in 2006 to almost 42 years by 2031. The proportion of the population aged over 65 is projected to rise to 25% of the population by 2031. The increase in the older population has significant implications for infrastructure – particularly in the health and social care sector and in supported living.
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1 Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) population projections (2006)
2 NISRA, Register General Northern Ireland Annual Report 2006 (Dec 2007)