West of Ireland economy hit hard by economic crisis

The economic crisis has taken a heavy toll on the west of Ireland, with the value of its economic activity plunging from the EU average to being close to debt-ridden Greece.

The difference between the wealthy east and south, with Dublin at its centre, is also vast.

Regional GDP per capita in the Southern and Eastern region in Ireland was €39,900 in 2011, compared with €23,700 in the Border, Midlands and Western region. In purchasing power terms, the south and east saw GDP per capita at 145% of the EU28 average, while the Border, Midlands and Western region had 86% of the average