A new digitised census of Ireland in the 20th century will be a valuable source for a number of people, according to the National Archives of Ireland organisation, whose website contains the information.

Historians, genealogists and anyone else interested in the economic and social history of Ireland will benefit from access to the 1911 records, the Irish Independent reports the group as saying.

Those who access the census will be able to find out about the employment, religion and homes of families in early 20th century Ireland.

Caitriona Crowe, senior archivist, special projects, at National Archives, told the publication that the online information includes "the most important records we now have".

It is also said to be only surviving census from that period following the destruction of many documents during the civil war and First World War.

The National Archives was established on June 1st 1988, taking over the work previously performed by the State Paper Office and the Public Record Office of Ireland.