Empirical Essays in Economic Geography
Citation:
AGNEW, KERRI, Empirical Essays in Economic Geography, Trinity College Dublin.School of Social Sciences & Philosophy, 2019Download Item:
Abstract:
This thesis consists of three papers that belong to the field of Economic Geography. All
three papers exploit spatial and temporal variation in variables in order to shed light on
economic questions. The first paper provides an empirical analysis of the effect of
fluctuations in the nominal exchange rate on cross-border shopping on the island of Ireland.
The daily dataset used in the analysis consists of car flows on roads and the exchange rate
during 2013-17. The results are that when the Euro appreciates by 1%, car flow into
Northern Ireland on the average border crossing rises by 2% between 9am and 3pm. This
paper provides the first known causal analysis of exchange rate movements and incentives
to shop across the border outside of the North American context. The second paper
provides an empirical analysis of the effect of motorway connections on burglary rates. The
dataset used in the analysis is an annual panel of 562 Police Sub Districts in the Republic of
Ireland during 2004-15. The results are, that on average, connection to the motorway
network causes a 10% rise in the burglary rate during the year of connection. This paper
shows for the first time that major road construction affects the spatial distribution of crime.
The third paper provides an empirical analysis of the causal effect of employment on
housing prices. It does this by using a dataset of housing prices and employment in foreign
owned firms in the Republic of Ireland during 2007-13. The results show that 1-2 years
after 1,000 jobs have been created, monthly rents in nearby properties are 0.5%-1% higher,
and the effect on prices is at least 2%. This study presents the first known causal estimates
of employment changes on housing prices.
Description:
APPROVED
Author: AGNEW, KERRI
Advisor:
Lyons, RonanQualification name:
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)Publisher:
Trinity College Dublin. School of Social Sciences & Philosophy. Discipline of EconomicsType of material:
ThesisAvailability:
Full text availableKeywords:
Spatial data, Ireland, EconomicsMetadata
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