The urban populations of both Fermoy and Mitchelstown have increased in the last five years, as have most urban areas in the Avondhu region, the latest Census 2016 report by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) have shown.

Published last Thursday, the report provides new population figures for rural and urban areas around the country and the rate of change in each area between 2011 and 2016.

The urban population of Fermoy has increased by 1.5% in five years, from 6,489 in 2011 to 6,585 in 2016. In Mitchelstown there has been a 1.7% rise with the urban population increasing from 3,677 to 3,740.

Rathcormac and Watergrasshill both posted sizeable urban population growths in the same time, up 14.9% in Rathcormac to 1,762 and up 15.9% in Watergrasshill to 1,346.

The urban areas of Ballyhooly (up 15.3% to 475), Castlelyons (up 28.1% to 374), Clondulane (up 25.2% to 417), Conna (up 11.9% to 526) and Kildorrery (up 18.6% to 357) all saw population increases between 2011 and 2016.

Areas including Ardfinnan, Ballynoe, Cappoquin, Clogheen and Tallow also saw their urban population decrease over the same time.

Nationally Saggart in County Dublin was shown to be the fastest growing town in Ireland. Full report on the population distribution and movement trends inside this week’s edition of The Avondhu.