Industrial development policy in Northern Ireland: an evaluation of the IDB

Abstract

A number of studies have highlighted the depth of the economic and social problems which have persisted in Northern Ireland for many years (NIEC, 1989; Kennedy, Giblin and McHugh, 1988; Rowthorn and Wayne, 1988). Since, at least, the 1950s unemployment in Northern Ireland has remained stubbornly above the average for the UK and, perhaps more significantly, above the rates pertaining in Scotland, Wales and the most depressed regions of England. In comparison with the Republic of Ireland the unemployment rate in the North has been around the same level for the last four years. Almost every other indicator of economic and social welfare in Northern Ireland has shown absolute and relative disadvantage.