Rural towns see highest jumps in unemployment and emigration rates
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.