Agriculture and economic growth in western Ireland

Abstract

In the development of the economy of the Western Counties of Ireland industrial expansion, in order to diversify employment opportunities, has been given considerable prominence and insufficient attention given to the need for agricultural development. The need for new industries is obvious, but the total numbers employed currently in industry is less than 12 per cent of those in agriculture, an increase in agricultural productivity is of critical importance if the level of national income produced in these counties is to be brought much closer in line with that of the rest of the country. The basic economic problems of this area can only be solved over a long period of time, and the immediate requirement is for a much more detailed understanding of these economic problems. At present in An Foras Taluntais a considerable amount of work is being undertaken on both the physical and economic factors involved in an expansion of farm production. This paper discusses some of the issues which are involved in this research project.