Rural towns see highest jumps in unemployment and emigration rates

Rural towns with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants have seen the highest jumps in unemployment and emigration since the downturn, according to a Teagasc expert.

Prof Cathal O’Donoghue, Teagasc’s head of rural economy and development, said: “Small and medium-sized towns have been affected to a greater extent by the economic downturn, with unemployment increasing by 193% in towns under 10,000 inhabitants, compared with 115% in cities and 150% nationally.”

In a presentation to Galway County Council, Prof O’Donoghue cited Gort as a prime example of a rural town which has endured losses, but which also has great potential for recovery.