THE ever-changing face of Donegal is reflected in the latest Census results published last week.

Over the last four years, since the completion of the last Census, the county's population has increased by almost 10,000 people, a seven per cent increase from 137,575 persons to 147,264.

The north east of the county has grown in population from 68,575 to 76,225, marking an increase of over 11 per cent.The south west of the County has seen a three per cent increase from 69,000 to 71,039.

The population boom has also been reflected in the increase in the number of houses within the county.

Figures for Donegal reveal, however, that the county has the second highest number of vacant houses in the country, currently standing at 27 per cent. This is due largely to the proliferation of holiday homes with which Donegal has become synonymous.

The county was also reported to have the third highest level of one-off houses in rural areas, with figures standing at over 41 per cent.

Modern living in Donegal, and changes in accommodation trends can also be shown in the increase in the number of people, 1,028, living in flats or apartments. The most popular type of accommodation in the county, however, is still detached houses, which are home to 34,654 of the county's population.

Despite the changing times we are living in, the census shows that over 74 per cent of the population in Donegal and the Gaeltacht areas claim to have a knowledge of Irish. It does show, however, that the future could be uncertain for the Country's native language as the majority of Irish speakers are aged 65 and over. Currently only 826 people within the 20-24 age bracket were listed as Irish speakers.

A new question included in the Census last year regarding ethnic or cultural background shows that there are currently 358 Irish Travellers in private households in Donegal. The figures show that 280 of these are living in permanent housing units, while 74 are residing in temporary housing units.