Employment

In 2002 there were 50,666 people employed, which showed an increase of 22.2% since 1996.

There was a significant decline in the numbers employed in Agriculture as it fell from over 6,508 in 1996 to 4,502 in 2002. This was more than offset by increases in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

In 2002 County Limerick had an unemployment rate of 4.3%, which was lower than the State figure of 5.3% and was also the lowest unemployment rate in the mid-west region. In 2002 the Labour Force was 54,265 of which 3,599 were unemployed.

The overall employment participation rate in County Limerick in 2002 was 93% of the Labour force.