Midland Region, Ireland
The Midland Region (coded IE063)[1] is a NUTS Level III statistical region of Ireland. It consists of the territory of the counties of Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford. The Midland Region spans 6,652 km2, 9.5% of the total area of the state and, according to the 2022 census, had a population of 317,999.[2]
Before 2014, the region was governed by the Midland Regional Authority. The Authority was abolished in 2014.[3] Midland now exists as a strategic planning area within the Eastern and Midland Region.[4] The NUTS regions are used for statistical reporting to Eurostat, while the Regional Assemblies are responsible for planning at a local government level.
The Midland Region is also a tourist destination due to its natural environment which includes lakes, waterways and canals, as well as a history, heritage and culture which dates from early Christian times.[5]
Midland Regional Authority
The Midland Region was administered by the Midland Regional Authority, which consisted of 24 elected representatives including the region's representative on the EU Committee of the Regions.[6] These representatives met once a month and were nominated from the four local government councils of the region:[5]
The Regional Authorities were dissolved in 2014 and were replaced by Regional Assemblies.[3]
Demography
According to the 2022 census, the region had a population of 317,999, which constitutes 6.17% of the national population. Its population density was 47.8 persons per km2.[2]
The region has a growing dependency ratio which is stated as having implications on health care, the types of housing needed as well as care for the elderly.[5]
Economy
The most significant industry in the Midland Region is the peat industry, as well as wood processing. Its wood processing industry now accounts for over one-third of the total processed timber produced in Ireland. Other strong industries include medicine, healthcare, engineering and chemical. It also has some very successful food and drink producers.[5]
According to Eurostat figures for 2012, the region has GDP of €5.765 bn and a GDP per capita of €20,100 the lowest in the Republic.[7]
The workforce of the region in 2015 was 114,000, which equated to an 87.6% employment rate.[8]
In 2017 the largest employment sectors in the Midland Region were:[9]
- Wholesale & retail trade 16%
- Manufacturing industries 12%
- Health & social work 11%
- Education 9%
- Public administration & defence 8%
- Agriculture 8%
Major settlements
A list of the ten largest settlements in the Midland Region. County capitals are included and are shown in bold.
| Rank | Town | County | Population (2022 census)[2] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portlaoise | Laois | 23,494 |
| 2 | Athlone | Westmeath | 22,869 |
| 3 | Mullingar | Westmeath | 22,667 |
| 4 | Tullamore | Offaly | 15,598 |
| 5 | Longford | Longford | 10,952 |
| 6 | Portarlington | Laois/Offaly | 9,288 |
| 7 | Edenderry | Offaly | 7,888 |
| 8 | Mountmellick | Laois | 4,905 |
| 9 | Birr | Offaly | 4,726 |
| 10 | Clara | Offaly | 3,403 |
References
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