Limerick County - working together for a better future

 

Strategy 2002

 

 


 

Some Facts and Figures

Population

  • In 1996 the population of County Limerick was 113,003 which showed an increase of 2.8% on the 1991 figure.

  • County Limerick is unique in that it has a large number of small centres of population, with 75% of people living in rural areas or settlements with a population below 1,500.

  • Areas adjacent to Limerick City (within approximately 20 kilometers radius) have shown an increasing population; however many of the main towns in the County such as Rathkeale, Abbeyfeale, Kilmallock, Croom and Askeaton all showed a drop in population from 1991 to 1996.

  • The percentage of people in the Mid West Region over 65 is projected to rise to over 15% of the population by 2011 from 11.8% in 1996. 

The Economy 

  • The multinational sector is a significant employer, with 36 firms employing over 10,400 people, with 6,460 (62%) of these working in only three companies. The majority of firms are in the hi-tech and manufacturing sectors.

  • The majority of multinationals are located in the environs of Limerick City with just four located in the West of the County.

  • County Limerick is part of the Golden Vale, which is recognised nationally as a grassland and dairying area. 10% of the National Quota for milk is held by County Limerick farmers. An Estimate for the value for Primary Agricultural Output is £300m. 

  • The Agri Food Sector in County Limerick is valued at approximately £600m. 

  • Between 1991 and 1996 there was a reduction of 1,010 in the number of people employed in agriculture. Local Estimates on a pro-rata basis show this trend is continuing and will continue into the future.

  • The value of goods and services on which VAT was charged in Limerick City and County in 2000 was £710m. 

  • Tourism infrastructure in the County is weak. In 1999 there were 450,000 overseas visitors to Limerick City and County contributing £111m to the Economy but the majority of this benefits the City.

Employment 

  • In 1996 there were 41,454 people employed. 

  • Agriculture employed 6,508

  • Manufacturing industries were the largest employers, employing 9,735

  • Professional Services employed 7,384 

  • Commerce employed 5,375 people

  • Other Services 12,452

  • The level of unemployment in 1996 was 5,163. In February 2001, there were 3,006 people unemployed, which is a fall of 2,157 (42%) from the 1996 figure.

 

Infrastructure 

  • There is one passenger Railway Station in the County in Castleconnell, with a comprehensive service to major towns and cities available from Limerick City.

  • There are rail links to Limerick City, Limerick Junction (Co. Tipperary) and Charleville (Co. Cork) and a freight service to Foynes.

  • Bus Eireann provide an extensive service to cities and towns outside Limerick; however the service to towns and villages within the County is limited.

  • County Limerick has a deep water cargo port in Foynes, which is primarily used for the importation of goods. 

  • The lack of modern Water and Sewerage Services has hindered the development of the County's towns and villages with 72 Water and Waste Water Schemes requiring upgrading and new facilities.

  • As at 30th June 2000 in the Area of Urban Influence, planning permission had been granted and construction commenced on site for 836 housing units.

  • There is a lack of childcare provision. In 1999 there are 281 children on a waiting list for childcare places and this represents 23.4% of the total number of children that are already in childcare facilities in the County. 

  • The telecommunications capacity of Limerick City and Environs is not up to standard when compared to the East Coast of Ireland, while the West and South of the County are connected to lower and insufficient capacity of Broadband access.

Environment 

  • In a Report published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) based on 1997 readings, the Maigue and Deel were the most polluted rivers in the Country in terms of phosphorous loading. Only 20% of the river length in hydrometric area 24, which covers much of County Limerick, is classed as unpolluted compared with the national average of 67%. 

  • In 2000 there was 126,000 tonnes of waste disposed in the Landfill site in Gortadroma. The total quantity of waste recycled in 1997 was 34,483.

Health 

  • The main Acute Hospital for the Mid Western Health Board is located in Dooradoyle with a bed capacity of 395. The Acute bed capacity per population ratio in the Mid Western Health Board region is 2.52 which is below the National Average of 3.3. Increased beds are urgently required.

  • Waiting lists are lengthy with a considerable number of patients (2,816) waiting over twelve months for an outpatient appointment following General Practitioner referral. 

  • About 50% of people who are attending Accident & Emergency Units have complaints which could be dealt with at GP level. 

Sport & Leisure

  • There are a wide variety of team and individual sports activities in the County. There are 61 GAA clubs; 45 Community Games groups; 29 Soccer clubs in the County, other sports are also active in the County.

Education

  • The pupil teacher ratio in County Limerick Primary Schools is 21.2:1 compared to the national ratio of 20.3:1. 

  • In 1999 21.9% of students who entered first year in 1993 did not complete their second level education which, while slightly better than the national average, is unacceptably high.

  • The University of Limerick has a number of departments specialising in the areas of Science & Technology, Engineering and Business.

  • The percentage of the resident population with third level qualifications is 18.8% while the average for the Mid West Region is 17.4%.

  • In 1997, 2,111 people in County Limerick participated in Adult Education Courses.

  • There are 161 people engaged in adult learner support and literacy.

Social Inclusion 

  • Limerick County had the lowest level of Deprivation in the Mid West Region in 1996 with 3.6% compared to the national average of 4.6%. However there are a number of severely disadvantaged areas in the County.

  • In a recent survey carried out by Limerick County Council on rented housing stock 67% were dependent on Social Welfare payments. There were 1,426 families on the housing waiting list at September 2000, of which 61.5% were unemployed.

  • Rathkeale as a town is unique with 40% of its population estimated to be from the travelling community. 

  • Social Inclusion Measures Information April 2004 .doc format . pdf format

Cultural Activities

  • There is an extensive library service offering educational, recreational, information and cultural services.

  • There is strong activity in the arts in parts of the County with writers in residence, exhibitions and street theatre festivals. The Friar's Gate theatre offers a regular calendar of events by amateur and professional drama groups.

Community & Voluntary Groups 

  • There is a very active community and voluntary sector with 450 groups active in the County. 

Service Provision

  • Limerick City is the services centre of the Mid-West Region with many of the State Agencies having Regional Offices. There is a wide variety of social, cultural and recreational amenities available in the City.