1901 and 1911 Irish census data will be made available on internet

Early Irish census data will be made available on internet

Fiona Gartland

Census information from the early 20th century will be available on the internet from next year, following an agreement between Canada and Ireland.

Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism John O'Donoghue signed an agreement between the National Archives of Ireland and Library and Archives Canada, which will see the Irish census records for 1901 and 1911 digitised and placed online. Access will be free and interest is expected from many Canadians, 13 per cent of whom claim Irish ancestry. Census records are currently only available at the National Archives in Dublin.

The three-year project will allow anyone to search for an Irish ancestor quickly and easily. People will also be able to access historical information and images. Information will be available from December 2006. The census records contain the name, sex, marital status, occupation, and county and country of birth of everyone listed in every dwelling in the country - including houses, prisons, hospitals, military barracks and industrial schools.

They also include details on each person's literacy level, ability to speak Irish, the number of years women were married and the total number of children born. The returns for each census give the number of windows and the condition of each house, and the number of rooms occupied by each family.

Though the first full government census was taken in 1821, the 1901 census is the earliest one surviving for the 32 counties. Other censuses were destroyed, many in the fire of 1922 at the Public Record Office. The 1901 and 1911 censuses are the most frequently used sources in the National Archives.

Library Archives Canada has already digitised Canadian census records from the early 20th century and made them available on an internet database. They will be offering their experience to the project. Mr O'Donoghue said the records hold precious insights into Irish family history for millions at home and abroad. "We hope this service in collaboration with our Canadian partners will connect many people globally to their cultural roots," he said. Ian Wilson, head of Library and Archives Canada, said they welcomed the opportunity to use their expertise in connecting Canadians with their history.

(C) The Irish Times (Ирладия комом ;) Источник инфы - Richard Jensen

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