To work properly, osm2pgsql needs to be updated to the latest version.
ELSEIF NEW.type in ('farm','locality','islet','isolated_dwelling','mountain_pass') THEN
NEW.rank_search := 20;
NEW.rank_address := 0;
+ -- Irish townlands, tagged as place=locality and locality=townland
+ IF (NEW.extratags -> 'locality') = 'townland' THEN
+ NEW.rank_address := 20;
+ END IF;
ELSEIF NEW.type in ('hall_of_residence','neighbourhood','housing_estate','nature_reserve') THEN
NEW.rank_search := 22;
NEW.rank_address := 22;