Roscommon County Council€¦ · The 2006 Census Preliminary Report show much more positive...

Roscommon County Council

DEMOGRAPHIC, ECONOMIC AND

EMPLOYMENT PROFILE

OF

COUNTY ROSCOMMON

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DATA FOR THE ROSCOMMON COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2008 - 2014

June 2008

JOE SAUNDERS research & communications

Ballymaley Business Park, Ennis, Co. Clare

www.joesaunders.ie

Background Information and Date for Economic Development Section of Roscommon County Development Plan 2008 – 2014

Joe Saunders Research and Communications

CONTENTS SWOT Analysis 1 Population 5 Spatial Profile 10 Economic and Employment Profile/Trends 12 Tourism 26 County Incomes 28 Welfare 30 Education 31 Housing 38 Commuting 39 Broadband Communications 40 Childcare 42 Community & Voluntary Activity 43 Sports and Leisure Clubs 45 Miscellaneous 46

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND DATA – ECONOMIC SECTION JUNE 2008 1

SWOT Analysis The following SWOT analysis is offered on the evidence available from the various updates that are available since the publication of the Job Creation Strategy in 2005 (e.g. 2006 Census Results, Census of Industrial Production 2004, CSO Vital Statistics, CSO Population Projections, Higher Education Authority and Department of Education figures, Live Register, Department of Environment housing statistics, Fáilte Ireland, information from IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Roscommon County Enterprise Board, Roscommon VEC, Roscommon County Council etc). Its emphasis is on trends since the last available set of data. Strengths Weaknesses • Population increase and reversal of trend • Net migration up significantly and natural

increase becoming more favourable • Diversification of manufacturing away from

reliance on Food & Drink sector • Greater opportunities for graduates locally • Increased rate of third level participation • Greater take-up of ICT and business

subjects by local students at third level • Improvement of commercial property

availability • Broadband coverage in most areas • Performance of micro-enterprise sector • Access to River Shannon and positive

environmental profile • Most urban centres showing signs of

improved sustainability since Census 2002

• Tourism share low • Lack of strong niche products in tourism

and associated marketing activity • Low GVA Gross Value Added) per worker

will erode competitiveness • Reliance on primary and construction

sectors • Vulnerability of some manufacturing sectors • No significant advance in flagship industries

in more progressive sectors including FDI • Low level of R & D and HPSU activity • Some rural parts not sharing in recent

progress

Opportunities Threats • Significant growth of labour force • Growth and consolidation of Higher

Education Centre • Lough Key and Hudson Bay developments

and further potential for environment-based tourism activities

• Continued development of Enterprise Centres

• Significantly increased allocations for Social Inclusion and Rural Development measures in new NDP present opportunity for real action of spatial development and agricultural diversification

• Availability of Gateway standard infrastructure and marketing opportunities at Monksland

• Broadband offers opportunities for business development in more remote areas based on work/life balance

• Mid Shannon Tax Incentive Scheme • Upgrading of N61 and Dublin-Galway route • Construction-related opportunities from

Transport 21 • Demand for new types of rural tourism and

outdoors activities

• Recent increase in Live Register may indicate an unwelcome trend

• Cost base increases for business • Lack of private investment in tourism

infrastructure • Need to manage spatial relations between

area close to growth of enterprise and development of infrastructure and those areas remote from current opportunities

• Continued growth in Galway and Dublin means continued poles of attraction outside the county. Access needs continual improvement

• Vacancy levels in new residential properties (esp. Tax incentive ones) may lead to unsustainable and unstable communities

• Competition from other locations with attractive skills base, business infrastructure and access routes


In the period since 2002, Roscommon has seen significant growth in its population and labour force. This has been due to high net migration and a lower but growing rate of natural increase. The county has reversed its previously poor demographic trend that had made Roscommon Town the only centre of sustained growth in the period between 1981 and 2002. Almost uniquely in modern times, the county has grown at a rate greater than the national average in the period 2002 – 2006. Net migration levels show that the county is attractive to newcomers as a place to live and work. This will have appositive impact in lessening the county age dependency ratio. The growth in the labour force allied to high participation levels at third level will ensure a good supply of labour at different skill levels over the life of the Plan. In terms of spatial profile, the areas of significant growth in the county are Athlone West, Kiltoom and Carnagh (neighbouring EDs in the south east of the county adjacent to Athlone); Ballaghdereen; Boyle; Roscommon town and surrounding EDs; Castlerea; Termonbarry and Danesfort, the latter two being close to urban centres outside the county boundary. The 2006 Census Preliminary Report show much more positive indications of sustainability all of the county town’s than the 2002 Census whereas the 2002 Census only showed positive demographic outlook for Roscommon and the Monksland area. However, since the 2005 CLÁR Boundary review, 104 of the county’s 112 EDs are designated as part of the CLÁR programme associated with areas of populations under pressure. These areas comprise 41,679 persons (77.5% of county population) based on 2002 Census. Sustainability, diversification from agriculture, employment opportunity, age dependency, community infrastructure and mobility continue to be difficult challenges for these areas although, based on recent CSO County Incomes and Census of Industrial Production data, we can expect minor improvements to disadvantaged areas and more significant improvements to more affluent EDs when Census 2006 outputs are fully analysed. The significant increases in the next LEADER and Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) as well as increased allocations for Clár, Rural Social Scheme, Western Investment Fund, Rural Transport Initiative earmarked for the new National Development Plan offer opportunities for real action on spatial equity and meeting some of the challenges for rural areas listed above. The challenge will be in ensuring effective co-ordination and an emphasis on community infrastructure and employment/enterprise supports. The county’s education profile is an improving strength. A high rate of third level participation and improved take –up of science, IT and business subjects in recent years will give the county’s the skills relevant to knowledge economy enterprise competing in global markets. The development of community education and third level courses at the Higher Education Centre is seen as a necessary opportunity to develop greater linkage between education and the workplace, allowing the enterprise sector to benefit from upskilling of the workplace in a flexible manner. Due to low level of local opportunities in the 1990s, the rate of return for Roscommon graduates has been low. In 2000, only 7% of local graduates returned to the county for their first job after graduating. The reversal of such a brain drain has been a key focus of local agencies and the figure has improved to 19% for 2004. Whilst still low, the improvement reflects a belief amongst more young people that greater opportunity exists in terms of career and work/life balance.


The county’s employment base faces a considerable challenge to develop and attract industries in modern sectors of the economy i.e. those with a significant knowledge content that add vale through intellectual input such as research, innovation or design. There is a large reliance on construction, primary processing and public sector employment. The small number of firms employing over 50 persons (25) demonstrates the difficulties in getting business to grow; it is feared that the obstacles to growth are the same obstacles that will prevent the innovation and diversification needed to simply survive as competitive pressures increase. Growth sectors locally include the pharmaceutical industry and extractive industries, both of which have significantly increased their share of salaries provided in the county. In recent years, investment in indigenous HPSUs (High Potential Start-ups), R & D (Research and Development) and Enterprise Centres in the county has increased. However, the overall level of such activity is low. As Ireland’s policy at national level is to support mechanisms for transition to a Knowledge Economy, it is essential that Roscommon nurture innovation in knowledge intensive businesses. The provision of infrastructure for HPSUs including flexible accommodation and broadband access should be supported by the Plan and be seen as a key driver of the future economic well being of the county. It is recognised that in the Knowledge Economy, many smaller enterprises can be located away from large urban centres if these supports are available. The availability of commercial property has significantly improved in recent years and it is an aim of this Plan to facilitate the development of modern, flexible commercial space to meet the needs of local entrepreneurs and service providers as well as to attract mobile investment. Currently, suitable premises, depending on sector, are available at Roscommon, Boyle, Rooskey, Monksland, Ballinlough and in various Enterprise Centres. To win further jobs and business activity from the mobile and FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) sectors, the county will need to focus on those activities sectors suited to its skills base and accommodation base. In terms of the trends into non-city locations in Ireland, the potential exists to win mobile investment in shared services, financial services and European headquarter locations – typically businesses of 20 – 50 persons in office environments. Further relevant sectors are pharmaceutical businesses, currently clustering in Monksland, and logistics given the county’s location and ongoing improvement of access. Access, environment and tourism provide opportunities and challenges for the county. Tourism revenues and number are very low, less than 4% of that of the Ireland West region. In previous years, private and public investment in flagship enterprise and marketing activity had been low. There has been improvement in this area in recent years with the development of facilities at Hudson Bay and Lough Key. The micro-enterprise sector continues to be a major strength with almost 1500 firms employing between 1 and 9 people. About 10% of these receive agency assistance. The existence of such firms testifies to local entrepreneurial spirit but there is both a challenge and an opportunity to assist some of these to expand through innovation and diversification. There remains significant potential for marina-type development and improved access to the River Shannon, development and marketing of outdoor sports through trails and other facilities. The upgrading of the N61 from Athlone and the primary route from Dublin to Galway are key pieces of infrastructure in train that will facilitate improved tourism activity. The proposed Mid Shannon Tax Incentive Scheme, and its limits on the ration of accommodation floor space, will be a significant catalyst for investment in the area within 12 kilometres of the Shannon.


The provision of further flagship enterprises, the facilitation of ecologically-sensitive access to the county’s lakes and rivers as well as improved access into the county, the development of cycle and walking routes along with other outdoor activity-based tourism and the encouragement of public and private investment in such facilities are aims supported in the Development Plan. Conclusions Overall, a number of key conclusions of the 2005 Job Creation Strategy still hold – • Sustainability of remote communities in some parts of the county need to be supported • Need to move away from reliance on more vulnerable employment sectors • Need to support innovation and growth in indigenous enterprise • Lack of flagship enterprises in modern sectors • Need for greater investment and marketing in tourism sector

On the available evidence, however, there has been considerable progress in significant areas: • Increased rate of graduate return indicates increased opportunity levels for higher skills • Increased rate of third level participation and take-up of ICT and business subjects (up

from 202.3% in 2002 to 27.8% and getting close to national average) • Consolidation and growth of Higher Education Centre • Development of a small number of high profile tourism product(s) • Diversification away from Food & Drink manufacturing • Growth of commercial property availability • Increased focus on entrepreneurship even if large-scale results have not been

displayed yet • Positive demographic trends including the area around Boyle and around the poles of

Athlone West and Roscommon Town as well as in most urban centres • Widespread broadband availability • Growing income levels


Population Summary/Commentary The population of Roscommon is 58700 (2006), an increase of 4926 or 9.2% over 2002. The increase compares with a national increase of 8.1% in the same period. – an occurrence unknown in the last half century. The 2006 Census is first to show an increase over the 1986 population (54592). The major component of the increase has been net migration – 19 per thousand of population compared to a state average of 11.4. The rate of natural increase has been low - 2.9 per thousand compared to a state average of 8.1. However, the birth rate has been increasing during 2004 – 2006 (expected to be 5.5 to 6 per 1000 in 2006) and can be expected to rise further after a period of high migration when unaccompanied workers begin to settle and form family units. Based on CSO population projections and recent local trends, a population of approximately 67,000, a rise of 14%, is expected by the end of the CDP in 2014. The 2002 Census shows that, the age dependent population is significantly higher than the national of West region average and is concentrated in the over 65 rather than the 0 – 14 years category. Age dependency has decreased from 43.3% in 1991 to 35.3% in 2006. In terms of spatial profile, the areas of significant growth in the county are Athlone West, Kiltoom and Carnagh (neighbouring EDs in the south east of the county adjacent to Athlone); Ballaghdereen; Boyle; Roscommon town and surrounding EDs; Castlerea; Termonbarry and Danesfort, the latter two being close to urban centres outside the county boundary. Since the 2005 CLÁR Boundary review, 104 EDs (there are 112 in the county in total) are now designated as part of the CLÁR region. These areas comprise 41,679 persons (77.5% of county population) based on 2002 Census. The principal areas outside of CLÁR are the county town and surrounding areas and EDs in the south east of the county. Within the county, the majority of Electoral Districts are ranked as either marginally below or marginally above the national average for relative affluence/deprivation. Deviation from this is evidenced in the west and extreme north of the county where many EDs are classified disadvantaged and the south where six affluent EDs are located (2002). Based on more recent CSO County Incomes and Census of Industrial Production data on incomes and salaries, minor improvements to disadvantaged areas and more significant improvements to more affluent EDs can be expected when Census 2006 outputs are fully analysed. Key Statistics The 2006 Census of Population (Preliminary Report) records a population of 58700 persons in Roscommon. There may be minor adjustments to these figures when the final Census figures are issued in the Principal Demographic Results volume. Gender Breakdown Males 30132 = 51.33% Females 28568 = 48.67% This is a growth of 4926 or 9.2% over the 2002 figure of 53774. The figure of 53774 is 1.386% of the state’s population, up from 1.373% in 2002


County Population Change 1981 - 2006 2006 2002 1996 1991 1986 1981 County Roscommon

58700 53774 51975 51897 54592 54543

Roscommon had a larger increase (9.2%) than the overall growth for the state (8.1%). Such an occurrence is unknown in the last half century. The population had fallen by 30,000 between 1926 and 1991 including a fall of 2695 between 1986 and 1991. In the period 2002 – 2006, all counties in Ireland experienced positive natural increase with the highest rates in counties with the youngest profile (Fingal, Dublin South, Kildare, Meath) and lowest in counties with the oldest age profile (Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo). By deducting the natural increase in population at county level from the corresponding population change data, it is possible to derive net migration figures i.e. the net movement of all persons into the county from elsewhere and out of the county to elsewhere. Population Increases 2002 - 2006 Roscommon Connaught State Numerical Increase 4926 39787 317,722 % Increase 9.2 8.4 8.1 Natural 642 10764 131,314 Estimated Net Migration 4284 28,023 186,408 Average Annual Births per 1,000 of average population

11.3 14.9 15

Average Annual Deaths per 1,000 of average population

8.5 7 7

Natural Increase Rate per 1,000 of average population

2.9 7.9 8.1

Estimated Net Migration Rate per 1,000 of average population

19 14.5 11.4

The increase is accounted for by high inward migration and relatively low natural increase. Roscommon had a higher death rate and lower birth rate than Connaught or the state as a whole but yet had a greater population increase. The net migration rate of 19 per 1,000 of average population per annum almost twice the national average. Within Connaught, rates vary from 25.9 in Leitrim to 6.4 in Sligo. To give perspective and to emphasise the scale of the changes in migration, it is worth comparing this figure with previous periods Average Estimated Net Migration Rate Per 1,000 of Average Population in Roscommon 2002 - 2006 19 1996 - 2002 6.7 1991 – 1996 0.7 1986 – 1991 -11.4 1981 - 1986 -2.8 As will be seen in the future sections, the natural increase rate has picked up in 2006 and allied to a high net migration rate, the prevailing trends suggest significant population growth.


Population Projections Current (2006 Census) population is 58700 Extrapolate from CSO Population and Labour Force Projections 2006 – 2036 (Dec 2004). This uses six combinations of fertility and migration assumptions and is well weighted across 40 year trends and current patterns Highest variant (M1F1 = Highest Fertility/Highest Migration) is 1.6% per annum Lowest variant (M2F3 =) is about 1.2% per annum CSO projections were published in December 2004 and their 1.6% projection would have given a national population of 4.168 million in 2006. As the actual figure was 4.234 million, their highest projection underestimated the state’s population by 66,000. Given:

1) this underestimation, 2) anecdotal evidence of continued growth, 3) house completions in Roscommon (rose from 740 in 2002 to 1316 in 2005) 4) high net migration rate 5) natural population increase in 2005/06 i.e. births over deaths,(*see table below) 6) Roscommon has grown by significantly in excess of national average in the period

2002 – 2006 i.e. 9.2% versus 8.1% or 13.8% higher than state’s growth rate I think that the projection of 1.6% is safe to use for the period 2006 – 2014. The riders I would put on this are

1) future downturns will impact on migration levels where least opportunities exist. 2) we don’t have labour force breakdowns from 2006 Census yet 3) the high level of recent growth rates is unlikely to be sustained * Births/Deaths 2004 - 2006 2004 2005 2006 – 1st half only Births 676 654 389 Deaths 415 479 225 Excess 261 175 164 Rate per 1000 of population

4.5 3 2.8 for six months only

In light of the foregoing, here are four scenarios

• 1.2% is equivalent to CSO M2F3 scenario for the state as a whole • 1.36% is equivalent to CSO M2F3 scenario taking into account Roscommon’s

growth relative to the state’s in the period 2002 – 2006 • 1.6% is equivalent to CSO M1F1 scenario for the state as a whole • 1.82% is equivalent to CSO M1F1 scenario taking into account Roscommon’s

growth relative to the state’s in the period 2002 – 2006 1.2% 1.36% 1.6% 1.82% 2006 58700 58700 58700 58700 2007 59408 59503 59646 59777 2008 60125 60318 60607 60874 2009 60850 61143 61584 61991 2010 61585 61980 62576 63129 2011 62328 62828 63586 64287 2012 63080 63688 64610 65468 2013 63841 64559 65652 66669 2014 64611 65443 66709 67892 2015 65391 66338 67785 69139 2016 66180 67246 68878 70407


In February 2007, CSO has revised it projections upwards based on the Preliminary results of the 2006 Census (Circular SP1/07). Its revised predictions, in summary, are as follows 2006 - 2011 2011 - 2016 National net migration per annum 50,000 45,000 Natural increase per annum 34,000 35,000 This would give rise to a national population of 4,665,000 in 2011 and 5,0555,000 in 2016. The increase represents upwards revisions of 3.55% for 2011 and 4.14% for 2016. On this basis, Roscommon’s population would be expected to rise to 69377 by 2014 i.e. a rise of 4% over the previous M1F1 projection. This is significantly in excess of the figure of 67.892, which would be realised of Roscommon continued to grow at the same rate above the national average that it did in the period 2002 –2006. Such a projection is highly dependent on continuing net migration levels. As the CSO notes in its revised projections, “the levels at which in and out migration take place into the future will have a significant effect on the overall national population. Net migration levels are the product of many factors, some of the most notable ones being the rate of growth of the overall economy, the sectoral patterns of economic growth, policies regarding European expansion and national policies regarding entry for people from new member states” (Circular SP1/07 p.7). Taking such factors into account, CSO is predicting a fall in national net migration (70,000 in 2005/6 to 50,000 per annum 2006 –2011). Net migration has been a major factor in Roscommon’s recent growth, - any national decrease will affect continued growth in the county. On this basis, there is little evidence to suggest that the 1.6% p.a. rate will be significantly exceeded. On the evidence available, the population projection for 2014 may be revised slightly upwards in range from 1.6% to 1.82% per annum i.e. 66709 to 67892. Age Breakdown and Dependency The 2006 Census (Principal Demographic Results) shows that Roscommon has the highest average age of population in the country – 38 years, compared to the national average of 35.6 years. However, the trend in relation to age dependency profile continues to show lessening dependency and a move closer to the state’s average. Age Dependent Population 2006 (those under 15 or over 65 years) Roscommon % Ireland % 35.25 31.43 The age dependent population is higher than the state average and is concentrated in the over 65 category rather than the 0-14 years category. The trend in age dependency has been decreasing from 43.3% in 1991 to 40.2% in 1996, 36.7% in 2002 and 35.3% in 2006. (CSO, Census of Population 2006, Principal Demographic Results) Births and Deaths Summary 2005 Births Deaths 2004 676 415 2005 654 479 2006 1st six months only 389 225 (Source: CSO, Statistical Yearbook of Ireland, 2004, 2005, 2006, Vital Statistics, Second Quarter 2006)


Fertility Rate The total period fertility rate (TPFR) gives the theoretical average number of children who would be born alive to a woman during her lifetime if she were to pass through her childbearing years conforming to the age-specific fertility rates of a given year. A value of 2.1 is generally taken to be the level at which a generation would replace itself, without allowing for migration. The last year for which the rate is available is 2002. The figure was1.95 for Roscommon, compared to 1.98 for the state as a whole Death Rate Death rate per 1,000 persons in 2002 Crude Standardised Roscommon 9.74 7.02 Galway 9.10 7.7 Leitrim 12.25 8.77 State 7.58 7.58 (Source: CSO, Report on Vital Statistics, 2002) Variation in the age distribution of the population in different counties affects the comparability of death rates between counties. In a county with a large population of elderly persons the crude death rate will be relatively high even if health conditions in that county are better than average. In an attempt to overcome this, standardised rates are prepared by creating a levelling effect countrywide across age groups. In a count with an old age structure, the standardised rate will be lower than the crude rate and vice versa. Divorce and Separation Divorce, Separation and Nullity Cases 2003 - 2005 Divorce Applications Judicial Separation

Applications Nullity Applications

Received Granted Received Granted Received Granted Roscommon Circuit Court 2003

50 33 19 9 1 1

Roscommon Circuit Court 2004

22 22 17 11 2 1

Roscommon Circuit Court 2005

55 30 24 9 2 -

(Source: CSO, Statistical Yearbook of Ireland, 2004, 2005, 2006)


Spatial Profile Population density in County Roscommon is 22.9 persons per sq. km compared to a state average of 60 Locations of Growth/Decline Of the 4928 population increase 2002 - 2006, the following electoral districts have shown large absolute growth In the Athlone Rural area: Athlone west (+1576/ 37.7%), Kiltoom (+143/ 9.7%), Carnagh (+126/22.2%) In the Boyle Rural Area Boyle Rural (+395/40.7%). Danesfort (+177/30.4%) In the Castlerea Rural Area Ballaghdereen (+422/18.2%), Castlerea (+153/5.7%) In the Roscommon Rural Area Roscommon Rural (+474/12.8%), Kilteevan (+111/33.3%), Termonbarry (+120/30.2%) Where falling populations are recorded, the absolute numbers are statistically small but are important in terms of trend and age dependency. This is consistent with more in-depth data from the 2002 Census that identify declining areas in the west and extreme north of the county. (CSO, Census of Population, Preliminary Report, 2006) Principal Towns It is not possible to make further analysis of changes to urban populations as the Preliminary figures for 2006 relate only to Electoral Districts and not urban boundaries. We, therefore, do not know the changes in population figures according to town boundaries to compare with 2002 figures, presented here. Populations for Towns in County Roscommon 1996 and 2002 2002 1996 % ChangeRoscommon 4489 3915 +14.9 Boyle & environs 2205 2222 -0.8 Castlerea 1788 1790 -0.1 Environs of Athlone (part of Athlone west rural)

1626 1214 +33.9

Ballaghdereen 1416 1248 13.5 Strokestown 631 572 10.3 Elphin 527 545 -3.3 From the Electoral District figures, we can expect the 2006 Town figures to show growth in Roscommon, Athlone Environs, Boyle, Ballaghdereen, and Tulsk. The urban areas of Elphin, Castlerea and Strokestown are likely to show marginal growth or stagnancy with probable bigger growth in their outlying areas. In order to give some level of comparability, the ED population figures for 2002 and 2006 are presented Electoral Districts 2002 2006 % Change Athlone West 2262 3114 +37.7% Ballaghdereen 2319 2741 +18.2% Boyle Rural and Urban combined 2613 2966 +13.5%


Castlerea 2689 2842 +5.7% Roscommon Rural and Urban combined

5317 5840 +9.8%

Total of these EDs 15200 17503 +15.2% These show much more positive indications of sustainability of the county towns than the 2002 Census. Whereas the 2002 Census only showed positive demographic outlook for Roscommon and the Monksland area, these are likely to be joined by Ballaghdereen, Boyle and Castlerea when further Census data on urban boundaries are available. It is not possible yet to assess any change in the overall levels of urbanisation and rural population. In 2002, the number of persons living in towns with a population over 1500 was 10108 or 18.8%. Therefore, 81% of people lived in aggregate rural areas compared to 40% nationally and 69% in the western region. With current data, we can only compare EDs where towns are located rather than urban boundaries. Such EDs contain a greater number of persons than the urban boundaries but a comparison is useful. As the figure for the EDs increased by 15.2% from 2002 to 2006 i.e. in excess of the total population increase of 9.2%, an increase in urbanisation can be predicted, dependent on outcomes form the urban boundary breakdowns. Spatial Pattern of Deprivation/Affluence Since the 2005 CLÁR Boundary review, 104 EDs (there are 112 in the county in total) are now designated as part of the CLÁR region, characterised by population decline. These areas comprise 41,679 persons (77.5% of county population) based on 2002 Census. The Deprivation Index devised by Haase and Pratschke is designed to provide a single measurement of the overall deprivation of areas in Ireland. It is intended to be able to track changes at each new Census. Scores range from minus 50 to plus 50, from extreme deprivation to extreme affluence. In 2002, the national average score was 17.4. The Roscommon score was 15.8. Changes in Affluence/Deprivation since 1991 (commencement of Index) Absolute Affluence/Deprivation 2002 1996 1991 Roscommon 15.8 9.3 3.4 State 17.4 9.1 1.9 (Source: GAMMA, 2004 County Roscommon) Within the county, the majority of Electoral Districts are ranked as either marginally below or marginally above the national average for relative affluence/deprivation. Spatial deviance is evidenced in the west and extreme north of the county where many EDs are classified disadvantaged and the south where six affluent EDs are located (2002). Based on more recent CSO County Incomes and Census of Industrial Production data on incomes and salaries, minor improvements to disadvantaged areas and more significant improvements to more affluent EDs can be expected when Census 2006 outputs are fully analysed.


Economic and Employment Profile/Trends Summary/Commentary The Roscommon Labour Force was 22879 at the 2002 Census. On the basis of the Preliminary Findings for census 2006 and the Quarterly National Household Survey Seasonally Adjusted report (Sept – Dec 2006), a significant rise is predicted. It is likely that the Census breakdown will show a rise of about 15% (based on known population growth and disproportionate growth amongst those active in the labour market) to 26,310. The QNHS shows a further rise between the Census in April 2006 and the end of 2006, equating to a total national rise of 17.2% since 2002. On this basis, the current labour force in Roscommon is approximately 27,000. Employment in the county is characterised by a low number of large firms (25 firms with over 50 employees) and a large number of small firms (approximately 1500 firms with 9 or less employees (2004 figure). The spatial spread of large and medium enterprises is fairly even across the county with a concentration in Roscommon Town and Athlone (Monksland). However, the clustering of new commercial buildings more suited to modern business activity at these latter locations and the vulnerability of some primary industries in smaller population centres will mean increased difficulties in providing employment in rural areas in future years. The 2002 Census shows that workforce has a high dependence on employment in public sector/health services (24%), agriculture (13%) and construction (11%). The share of employment provided by tourism, information technology/computer and financial services is low. Manufacturing accounts for 14% of the labour force but within it, there is a heavy reliance on the Food & Drink sector. The Census of Industrial Production, however, does show that this has reduced from 58.5 % in 2000 to 38% in 2004.Since then, it has reduced further with a number of large closures such as Glanbia and Green Isle, emphasising the vulnerability of the sector. Large increases are recorded in employment in the pharmaceutical and quarrying sectors, the former at Monksland and the latter countywide and related to construction and infrastructure activity. When Labour Force breakdowns from the 2006 Census become available, a rise in the share of construction-related activity is predicted, given the rise in house and commercial property completions. Total house unit completions increased from 740 in 2002 to 1316 in 2005. In 2006, there were 3631 full-time and 254 part-time jobs assisted by the economic development agencies (IDA, Enterprise Ireland and Roscommon County Enterprise Board) – about 15% of the current workforce. 1806 people are employed in (mainly indigenous) companies assisted by Enterprise Ireland. 901 persons are employed in Foreign Direct Investment projects supported by IDA (2006). 924 persons are in full-time employment and 258 persons in part-time employment in firms assisted by the County Enterprise Board. Enterprise Ireland has invested in three Enterprise Centres (at Arigna, Ballaghdereen and Roscommon) and approved funding for two new ones (at Boyle and Castlerea) in recent years. These centres can become key to providing and hosting new indigenous employment. The challenge is to view these as engines of economic growth accommodating businesses of growth potential and high value-added activity rather than have a focus on filling space and meeting rental targets. That they are well spread spatially and managed with a economic


development rather than property investment focus make them strong potential contributors to the provision of jobs across the county. To win further jobs and business activity from the FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) sector, the county will need to focus on those sectors suited to its skills base and accommodation base. In terms of the trends into non-city locations in Ireland, the potential exists to win mobile investment in shared services, financial services and European headquarter locations – typically businesses of 20 – 50 persons in office environments. Further relevant sectors are pharmaceutical businesses, currently clustering in Monksland, and logistics/product distribution given the county’s location and improving access. Currently suitable premises exists at Roscommon, Boyle, Rooskey, Monksland, Ballinlough and in various Enterprise Centres In recent years, investment in indigenous HPSUs (High Potential Start-ups) and R & D (Research and Development) in the county has increased. However, the overall level of such activity is low. As Ireland’s policy at national level is to support mechanisms for transition to a Knowledge Economy, it is essential that Roscommon nurtures innovation in knowledge intensive businesses i.e. those where the raw material is ideas, intellectual knowledge, design skills etc rather than primary goods requiring manual inputs. Where such HPSU activity is identified, it should be assisted to expand through the availability of flexible capital, appropriate labour, accommodation and infrastructure such as broadband. In the Knowledge economy, many smaller enterprises can be located away from large urban centres if these supports are available. Although not designed to measure unemployed, the Live Register is a useful measure of trends in labour market participation. The trend shows a decrease from 2045 in 1998 to 1716 in 2000 through to a low of 1214 in 2006 and the current figure of 1374. This latter increase, a rise of 160 persons, in the period February 2006 to February 2007, is high - 13%, compared to the overall West region (rise of 1.76%) and the state (drop of 0.14%). Almost half (46%) of claimants attend the Castlerea exchange, reflecting reduced employment opportunities in that part of the county. Labour Force The 2002 Labour Force, consisting of the total at work, the unemployed and first time job seekers is 22879 (21270 active), an increase of 2365 (11.2%) on 1996. This figure for 2006 will undoubtedly rise when the breakdown becomes available. The rise can be expected to be significantly in excess of 10% for the following reasons: • The population rose by 9.2% but much of this is based on inward migration involving

single workers without dependents. • Nationally, the labour force rose from 1,840,900 in the survey period March – May 2002

to 2,108,300 in the same period on 2006 – a rise of 267,400 or 14.53%. There has been a further rise of 2.36% in the second half of 2006, giving a total national increase of 317,200 or 17.2% since 2002.

(Source: CSO, Quarterly National Household Survey, Seasonally Adjusted Series, Sep – Dec 2006)

Breakdown Of Labour Force 2002 Labour Force By Age Group and Gender 2002 15 -24 25 -34 35 - 44 45 - 54 55 - 64 65+ Males 1736 3108 3647 3276 1905 658 Females 1052 2295 2395 1896 823 88 Total 2788 5403 6042 5172 2728 746


Summary Sectoral Breakdown of Active Labour Force 2002 Persons % Agriculture, forestry & fisheries 2799 13 Industry 5853 28

Services 12618 59 Total 21270 100 (Source: CSO 2002) Breakdown of Labour Force 2002 in greater detail

Persons % Public Administration including Education and Health Services

5091 (1671/1295/2125)

24 (7.9/6.1/10)

Manufacturing Industry 2906 13.7 Agriculture, forestry & fisheries 2799 13.2

Retail 2703 12.7

Construction 2381 11.2

Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities

1027 4.8

Transport 1017 4.8

Hotels and Restaurants 836 3.9

Community, Social & Personal Services

574 2.7

Banking and Finance 574 2.7 Others 1362 6.4 Total 21270 100

(Source: CSO, special run based on Census 2002) Notes/Comments This table is based on a CSO special run of the 2002 Census for County Roscommon. Its data differs from the Census of Industrial Production in the following ways:

1. It was conducted two years earlier than the CIP 2. Its subject of investigation is individuals resident in Roscommon rather than business

units located in the county. The former includes many persons who work outside the county whilst the latter includes many employees who live outside the county.

The CSO classification ‘Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities’ includes ‘computer activities’ and many professional services. This share of the active labour force is low. The share for Hotels & Restaurants is also comparatively low. For fuller picture, see Tourism section. The share for Public Sector activities is high. The share for Banking and Finance is low. The recent buoyancy in the economy has enabled rural economies to absorb the decline in the primary agricultural and food production sectors but the dependence on construction in rural regions is particularly strong with 11% of rural residents employed in construction compared to 7% in non-rural areas. Taken together, the primary sectors and construction accounted for 23% of employment in rural Ireland in 2002. In Roscommon, the combined figure for construction and primary sectors is 24.2 % of the Labour Force


For breakdown of manufacturing industry employment, see next table Industrial Production The following table breaks down the sectoral share of manufacturing industry and compares the changes between the Census of Industrial Production in 2000 and 2004. Comparison of Manufacturing Employment Figures in Roscommon, 2000 and 2004 NACE Codes

Sectors No. of local units 2000

Total Employed 2000

% of Employment 2000

No. of local units 2004

Total Employed 2004

% of Employment 2004

10-14 Mining and quarrying

4 113 5.3% 8 201 7.8%

15-16 Food products, beverages and tobacco

13 1252 58.4% 15 981 38.1%

21-22 Paper, printing and publishing

8 134 6.3% 8 115 4.5%

24-26 Chemicals, Rubber, plastics, mineral products

10 246 11.5% 12 784 30.4%

27-28 Basic and fabricated metal products

7 65 3% 8 65 2.5%

30-33; 34-35

Electrical, optical equipment; transport equipment

4 219 10.2% 3 302 11.7%

17-20, 23, 29, 36-37, 40-41

Textiles, leather, petroleum, machinery, n.e.c, electricity and gas production

10 115 5.4% 12 128 5%

All 56 2144 100% 66 2576 100% (Source: CSO, Census of Industrial Production 2000 and 2004 special runs for Roscommon) Note that CSO make revisions to previous data. Hence, figures for 2000 will have small adjustments from previously published data. Note also that some NACE codes are grouped together at local level to ensure confidentiality. There has been a considerable decrease in the reliance on Food & Drink manufacturing in the period between 2000 and 2004 from 58.5% to 38.1%, a drop of 271 employees although the number of firms has actually increased. Total gross employees earnings in this sector fell from €28m to €23m.


Other noteworthy developments are: • The chemicals, plastics and minerals sector (mainly pharmaceuticals) increased its

employment from 246 to 784 persons and total gross employee earnings from €5.3m to €33m. Its percentage of the county’s manufacturing employees rose from 11.5% to 30.4%.

• Employees in the Mining and Quarrying sector rose from 113 to 201 and employee earnings rose from €2.6m to €7.2m

Note that although the 2004 Census of Industrial Production records eight quarries in the county, there are now 28 registered and employment has most likely expanded considerably in these. Manufacturing Industries Key Statistics 2004 Industrial Output €487,000,000 Industrial Inputs €351,000,000 Net Output €136,000,000 Wages & Salaries € 78,000,000 Remainder of Net Output € 58,000,000 Average Salary per employee Roscommon Galway State €30,503 €27,743 €27,975 Gross Output per Employee Roscommon Galway State €189,004 €174,212 €433,445 Net Output per Employee Roscommon Galway State €52,805 €83,410 €276,446 Size and Scale of Business Units in Roscommon Large Enterprises There are approximately 25 private firms employing over 50 employees in the county. Number of firms employing over 50 persons by sector Food & Drink sector 5* Construction – related activity 5 Pharmaceuticals 3 Medical devices 2 Retail 3 Tourism 2 Others 5 * down from eight in 2005 Small and Medium Enterprises There are approximately 183 indigenous SMEs employing 10 – 49 persons in the county. (Source: Revenue Commissioners) It is difficult to categorise these firms with total accuracy. Within the Manufacturing and Internationally Traded Service sectors that comprise about half of the county’s medium-sized enterprises, the most prominent categories of business are Food & Drink processors,


construction-related firms and light engineering. Professional and financial services, hospitality and computer/IT related businesses are under-represented in this size category. Micro- Enterprises There are 1430 firms employing 1-9 persons. (Source: Revenue Commissioners) Indigenous Exporting Companies In total, Enterprise Ireland supports 74 businesses in the county, employing 1806 people. Since 2002, it has invested €7.5m in local companies including HPSUs (High Potential Start-Ups) and an additional €1.2m in R & D supports. As well as indigenous exporting companies, Enterprise Ireland has responsibility for overseas companies in the food sector. Employment figures in this particular sector are on the decrease – 219 in 2003, 137 in 2004, 137 in 2005 and 49 in 2006 – a loss of 170 jobs in the period 2003 – 2006. This accounts for almost all of the slippage in the EI figures (see table below) but has been compensated for to a degree in other sectors. Enterprise Ireland has invested in three Enterprise Centres (Arigna, Ballaghdereen, Roscommon) and approved funding for two new ones (Boyle, Castlerea). The total investment is €1.47m, (€1.34m in capital funding and €0.13m in management grants). Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Roscommon currently hosts 8 FDI projects, employing 901 people. Athlone 2 – Athlone Pharmaceuticals, Elan Corporation Castlerea 2 – Harmac Medical, Colour Communications Roscommon 4 – Carson Industries, System Label Ireland Ltd, Advanced Couplings,

Innocoll Technologies Total Figures for Agency Assisted Employment 2004 2005 2006 Number of Units

(firms) 2006 Enterprise Ireland 1873 1976 1806* 74 approx IDA 887 902 901 8 County Enterprise Board

803 Full-time 232 Part-time



169

Total 3563 Full-time 232 Part-time



254

(Sources: Forfás Annual Employment Survey, 2004, 2005, 2006; County Enterprise Board) * Reduction from 2005 figures almost entirely due to losses in Food & Drink sector. There are also over 200 full time and 200 part-time jobs are in companies assisted by two LEADER groups and the Roscommon Partnership. Public Sector Employment There are 2277 persons working in full-time public sector jobs located in the county, excluding education. As the Census (2002) records 3796 persons in the sector (excluding education), we can conclude that many people travel outside the county for public sector jobs. The main location for public services is Roscommon Town. The largest organisations are Roscommon County Council (655) and the Health Service Executive (995). Others include Education services, Gardaí and the Department of Agriculture District Veterinary Office.


Under the government’s decentralisation programme, it is proposed to relocate the Land Registry division of the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform (230 positions) to Roscommon Town. Agriculture 2453 people in Roscommon identify themselves as farmers, according to the 2002 Census of Population. Approximately 35% of these operate farms of less than 50 acres and only a small minority are full-time and commercially viable. The average farm size is 24.8 hectares (2000). Location of Employment Total employment opportunities are clustered around the main urban centres, especially Roscommon Town and the Athlone West area. Foreign investment projects are concentrated in Roscommon town (4), Castlerea (2) and Monksland (2). Projects supported by Enterprise Ireland show a spread across Arigna, Athlone West, Athleague, Ballaghdereen, Boyle, Castlerea/Ballinlough, Elphin and Roscommon, The largest 25 employers are also evenly spread – Roscommon (7), Boyle (3), Athlone West (5) Ballaghdereen (2), Arigna (2), Castlerea (3), Others (3). The current availability of commercial property, together with other pull factors, will mean a continuation of job clustering in Roscommon and Athlone West. The development of Enterprise Centre at Ballaghdereen, Boyle and Castlerea will enhance opportunities for these smaller centres of population. Rural Enterprise and Employment National enterprise strategy has generally been defined at national level and “is largely silent on rural enterprise per se” (Fitzpatrick Associates, Review of Enterprise Supports in Rural Areas, Final Report for Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, 2004, page ii). One of the principal findings of The Fitzpatrick Review is that enterprise in rural Ireland is characterised by a large number of relatively small firms, and firms in relatively traditional rather than high-tech sectors. The profile conducted for the Roscommon Job Creation Strategy demonstrated that these characteristics apply equally to Roscommon. Challenges facing rural enterprises include “higher transport costs and difficulties in accessing markets; lack of suitably qualified labour; remoteness from enterprise agencies and supports; poor quality utilities and communications infrastructure. Given the nature of the rural economy and the lack of a national approach to rural enterprise, devolved funding and other supports available through LEADER, the County Enterprise Board and the Western Development Commission are especially relevant to rural enterprises. It is essential that the their combined supports under the new NDP are coordinated effectively and given targeted at rural entrepreneurs and as well as in providing rural business infrastructure. Comment re. Dynamic Cluster Concept Whilst naming dynamic clusters can be useful in focussing attention on areas, it is of little value by itself. The development of infrastructure in smaller or more remote areas is a key factor in attracting people and especially small enterprise projects. These include: • Broadband telecommunications


• Office accommodation and home office facilities for teleworking, professional services personnel, cultural industries, administration of tourism products

• Work/life balance opportunities • Good road links and access to rail • Marketing of these opportunities.

The Plan should seek to encourage each of these. Practical measures could include • Exemption from commercial rates for those operating SOHO (small office home office)

businesses involving family members and say up to 2/3 employees • Planning guidelines/exemption to facilitate computer-based home business where no

goods are produced and car parking is confined to, say 2/3 cars of clients and employees/associates

• Development of ‘electronic courtyards’ – see below • Encouragement of lifelong learning and skills development through CRHEC and linkage

to other education providers including capacity building and business animation supports through LEADER to identify and nurture latent entrepreneurial and innovative talents.

• Support for the provision of courses/modules on Rural Entrepreneurship through CRHEC and CEB

• Oversee the coordination of local funding for rural development under next NDP. Most funding devolved to local bodies will be subject to endorsement through CDB structures. It is vital that an emphasis on enterprise supports, upskilling and community infrastructure is upheld in programme planning and delivery.

• Inventory of all enterprise space to be held by local authority. The creation of opportunities that can take advantage of this infrastructure and marketing in remoter areas is then dependent on market take-up by businesses and individuals. Except for the provision of marketing supports and infrastructure development, incentives are problematic, as they would need to satisfy aid/competition regulations. Zoning and the naming of clusters is the fist step and, in this regard, the areas with most in common and most in need would seem to be: Strokestown-Termonbarry-Elphin Ballaghdereen-French Park-Boyle Castlerea-Ballinlough However, I am sceptical as to the increased benefits from a concentration on clustered multiple locations as distinct from a commitment to improve infrastructure in specific, non-clustered areas. The exception to this is where there are strong existing patterns of loyalty, mobility, etc and this does not appear to be the case in the locations of need in Roscommon. On a related note, there is a strong argument to be made to accept the inevitably of commuting in satellite and hinterland areas. The challenge is to provide for its orderly development based on functional definitions of different spaces. The proposed Mid Shannon Tax Incentive Scheme also offers the opportunity to attract strong rural employment opportunities. As the scheme to limit the provision of accommodation to 50% of total floor area, investors will be encouraged to derive returns on investment from more productive activities and alternative inputs such as labour and intellectual capital. The potential, therefore, exists for hospitality and tourism activity, sports, design and other small businesses. It should be the aim of the Plan to back the scheme, when its details are known, with strong marketing that attempts to create high-value activity and can build regional identity in a way that gets the area known as the leading inland waterway destination in the country.


Electronic Courtyards in Village Locations At present, there is a significant gap between, and even within, regions in the growth of technology-based enterprises. In order to prevent a widening of the gap and also to exploit the opportunities offered by telecommunications advances, new types of services and facilities must be offered to potential entrepreneurs in less developed locations. These must address technology deficits as well as exploit work/life balance opportunities. As such, they are also dependent on the ongoing sustainability and quality of local schools, restaurants etc An approach currently in development n the Shannon Region is called the ‘E-Towns’. The objective is to generate incremental business activity by offering the modern entrepreneur a turn-key residential and business solution with all the convenience of advanced facilities in a quality-lifestyle location. The vision of the project is to “apply 21st century telecommunications technology and best practice in town renewal to help create an alternative enterprise culture within small regional communities that will meet their specific needs in terms of an attractive living environment, as well as sustainable economic activity, including the creation of new jobs.” Four E-Towns are being developed to provide accommodation for ten residential/business units with a capacity to accommodate 50 persons in ten knowledge-based enterprises such as graphic design, telemedicine, software etc. These are to be based in a “courtyard”, combining detached homes, townhouses, and apartments as well as up to 10,000 square foot of wired office accommodation The towns chosen are Miltown Malbay (Clare), Newport (Tipperary), Tarbert (Kerry) and Cappamore (Limerick). The size of each is comparable to a number of population settlements in Roscommon and another potential location in Offaly. Selection criteria included: • Outside core region of economic activity • Population 1000 – 1500 • Minimum 15 km and maximum of 32 km from urban centre such as county town • Active community development association • Identification of site within curtilage of the town with a minimum of 3 acres.

The potential benefits of such a project includes: • Creation of up to 50 new jobs • Increased local spending power • Completion of new Town Plan • Training supports for individuals and community groups • New focus for modern, relevant economic activity in the town • Potential new infrastructure and services as critical mass increases • New residents

The project involves the following processes: Process Elements Key Player(s) A new Town Plan

Site identification criteria providing for regeneration and integration

Local Authority

Stimulation of broadband market

Ensuring that entrepreneurs have scalable, robust, competitive service

Telecommunications providers

Community Enablement process

Training of Community Animators Web/Portal development Environmental Enhancement

VEC Community Partner


Development of community to market itself

Physical Development

Site identification Design Construction of Courtyard units Sales & Marketing

PPP Estate Agent

There has been considerable demand in the marketplace for the units so far. The most difficult hurdle has been to enter an arrangement with construction companies. However, interest in likely to be greater in tax –designated areas and where property prices are lower than in some parts of the Shannon (mid west) region. The Partnership elements have worked extremely well between Community Partner, VECs and local authorities and Shannon Development. It should be the aim of the Plan to support and facilitate, where possible, the development of such new approaches to enterprise development in villages and small settlements. This could be achieved through planning, participation in inter-agency project development and the making available of sites etc. Commercial Property Commercial Property of scale currently available (March 2007) in the county Location Size Status Roscommon Lanesboro Rd

12,000 sq ft Available

Roscommon Centrepoint Corner, Lanesboro Rd

125,000 sq ft of units - retail Units from 1500sq ft.

Under construction

Roscommon Lanesboro Rd

Large Retail - LIDL & ALDI Under construction

Roscommon Ros West Business Park

12,000 – 15,000 sq ft Available

Roscommon Racecourse Rd

25,000 - 30,000 sq ft Available

Roscommon Town Centre

6,000 - 8,000 sq ft – Office Space Available

Roscommon Circular Road

25,000 sq ft including 15,000 sq ft office space Available

Roscommon IDA Business Park

Greenfield sites available for qualifying companies.

Ballaghdereen 5/6 x units of 10,000 – 12,000 sq ft Some complete

Ballinlough 2 x units in excess of 10,000 sq ft Available Ballinlough 3,000 sq ft can be sub dividable into 3 or 4 units Available Athlone Monksland Business Park

1,500 sq ft - 37,000sq ft units Available

Boyle Station Rd

Former Green Isle Production Facility, 28,300 sq ft

Available

Rooskey Former Glanbia buildings – 10,000 sq ft plus offices blgs

Available

Strokestown One unit of 8,000 sq ft Available


Enterprise Centres in Roscommon Location Promoter Status Roscommon Roscommon Chamber of

Commerce Rented – Rosc County Ent Board managing occupancy

Boyle Boyle Chamber of Commerce

Acquiring site

Ballaghdereen Ballaghdereen District Development Assoc.

Partially constructed

Arigna Arigna LEADER

Occupied

Castlerea Enterprise Castlerea

Acquiring site

Ballinlough Enterprise Kiltullagh

Operational

Rooskey

No further info No further info

Matrix of Location Assessment Criteria The focus of this section is mobile investment projects in the Knowledge Economy sector including shared services, customer services and financial administration. Ireland is the world’s largest exporter of software, even if much of this is PC-packaged. The country has a strong portfolio of manufacturing, administration, R & D, customer services in the ICT area. Our key export driver is ICT manufacturing and software (Intel, Dell and Microsoft account for almost 20% of Irish exports). Seven of the world’s largest ICT companies are located here and the sector employs 50,000 people In the ICT area, the most likely type of operations to locate in the regions is shared services centres serving Europe and Middle Eastern countries. These have very similar needs as those in the financial services sector. The focus to date in the financial services sector has been on Funds Administration companies operating within the IFSC. This industry has grown at a very rapid pace and Ireland has reached parity with Luxembourg as Europe’s most attractive location for Funds. Indeed, Ireland is now the home to 30% plus funds under administration worldwide with strong growth sustained in recent years. This sector is experiencing many issues (ability to absorb growth, cost base competition, space, competition for labour) that could be to the advantage of regional centres. As Funds become more price conscious, there is a perceived need to reduce costs whenever and wherever possible. This has lead to the locating of over 2,500 jobs in the sector in regional locations since 2001. Of late, there has also been a focus on European shared services and headquarter operations in both ICTs and financial services. Typically, these employ 20 – 50 people in a variety of functions e.g. customer support/technical support, administration, financial functions and legal services.


Such operations are especially sought by and suitable for regional locations in that they will not dominate a location (all eggs in one basket syndrome), they can add significantly to local spending power and upskilling and their space, personnel and environmental needs are capable of being accommodated. On the basis of current trends in mobile investment and indigenous business start-ups, the following model of Location Assessment criteria describes the major determinants of business location choice. The mobile investment for which Irish regions are most successfully competing is now principally office-based with few heavy goods. The main inputs are intellectual skills and the outputs can often be delivered as small goods or online. There are also some opportunities for pharmaceutical projects, logistics and, to a much lessening extent, ICT manufacturing. These also require larger premises, a campus environment for buildings with different uses, logistics supports, high power and waste capacity and better surface links. Determinants of Location Assessment for Mobile Investment 4 = Essential 3 = Certain to be a decisive factor between competing Irish locations 2 = Likely to be a decisive factor between competing Irish locations 1 = Desirable 0 = Not a significant determinant Criterion Large Office

and FDI Smaller Office and Knowledge Sector HPSUs

Logistics

Relevant skilled labour and favourable demographic projections

4 3 3

Population mass of 250,000 within one hour 2 2 2 Availability of Suitable (Office) Premises 4 4 4 Cost of Office Accommodation 4* 3 4 Attractiveness of Site Environment 2 3 2 Proximity to third level college 3 3 2 Broadband availability 4 4 4 Choice of Broadband service providers 2 2 2 Access/time to Dublin (Airport) 3 2 4 Other Transport Links 3 3 4 Childcare availability 2 2 2 Housing availability and prices 2 3 2 Perception of overall quality of life (e.g. availability/quality of schools, sports and leisure facilities, crime rate, environment)

1 2 1

*The competition to fill commercial space is increasing. Many developers are prepared (for a “suitable” client) to offer very competitive packages to prospective tenants. Offers of up to three or four years rent-free in locations less than one hour from the M50 are not uncommon, especially to blue chip tenants whose reputation would attract other clients. Leases with ten-year breaks and premises outfitted to the client’s requirements at the landlord’s expense are becoming a feature. Location Product Offering This template/checklist of corporate requirements in location profiling applies to most business with significant Knowledge content. It is derived from various examples used by companies and investment location consultants


Office Space State types of property. For each property, list

• Availability and/or lead time • Size: range to/from sq ft. No. of floors etc. • Rent: range • Lease: type, flexibility, break clauses etc • Technology: description of services, capabilities etc. • Telecommunications: service providers, capacities, cost • Outfitting: fully fitted out; partially fitted; bare walls, raised flooring etc • Parking, distance to town centre and residential areas, transport links • Description of site environment

Staff Population profile and Demographics Salaries

• Of town, county and region • Population growth rate • Population aged 20 – 44 years • Mature age profiles

• Average gross weekly full-time earnings • Graduate starting salary • ACA newly qualified salary (Dublin E 50 - 55k) • % Differential

Education Profile of Third Level Centres within catchment area

• No. of students within radius inc. Galway, Sligo, Athlone • No. of students in Banking/Acct/Financial Services • Strong on business education? • No. of graduates p.a. • No. of business graduates p.a. • No. of Diploma/Certificate • Students mostly local?

Housing Availability Price Rental

• Plentiful? Scarce? • New buildings? • Rental capacity?

• new 4BR detached? • New 3BR? • 2/3BR apart?

• 4BR detached per month • 3BR house per month? • 2BR apart per month?

Infrastructure Broadband – availability, cost, choice of provider?

Energy – electricity, gas etc Environmental services Distances from Dublin, Knock, Galway etc Connections to from Dublin, Knock, Galway etc via Road, Train, bus etc Air connections (to other cities in Europe and US) Local buses/taxis etc Local transport to business parks? Hotels/Restaurants: no of hotels/rest Conference/meeting facilities - Quality, range etc Regional Planning Guidelines Infrastructural upgrades planned - details

Business Services

Banks, Technical & ICT support companies, Professional services


Lifestyle and Amenity

Sport & Social Civic Amenities Services Other

Sports centres, swimming pools, golf courses, GAA, Soccer Rugby, outdoor pursuits, cultural activities etc Schools, Hospitals (public and private), Retail, childcare etc Crime rate


Tourism Summary/Commentary There are approximately 1200 persons involved in the tourism and hospitality sectors in the county. Roscommon has a very low share of the tourism activity in the Ireland West region (comprising Galway, Mayo and Roscommon). In 2005, the county had revenues from overseas tourism of €16 million - 3.6% share of the €441 million spent in the Region. The number of tourists to the county was 45,000 equal to 3.9% of the 1,161,000 visitors to the Region. Revenues from the domestic and Northern Ireland market add a further €237 million to the €441m overseas figure in 2005 for Ireland West i.e. an additional 54%. This would add another €8.64 million to revenues in Roscommon. The county obviously has a considerable challenge as well as considerable potential to increase its tourism related activity. An unspoilt environment, access to water sports and outdoor amenities, improving road links are all advantages. Lack of tourism infrastructure, weak brands, a low number of flagship amenities and marketing are inhibitors to growth. There has been significant recent progress in providing flagship ventures at Lough Key and Hudson Bay. The provision of further flagship enterprises, the marketing of same, the facilitation of ecologically-sensitive access to and use of the county’s lakes and rivers, the development and marketing of cycle and walking routes along with other outdoor activity-based tourism and the encouragement of public and private investment in such facilities are aims to be supported in the Development Plan. Relevant access points to the Shannon include Shannonbridge, Hudson Bay, Le Carrow, Portrunny, Lanesborough, Termonbarry, Cootehall and Lough Key. Tourism Revenue The breakdown on spending from overseas tourists is as follows: 2003 (All €m) Total spend UK visitors

spend Mainland Europe visitors spend

North American visitors spend

Others

Roscommon 13 7 1 3 2 Galway 344 90 106 127 17 Mayo 100 40 18 40 2 Ireland West 457 137 125 170 21 2004 (All €m) Total spend UK visitors



Others

Roscommon 13 7 2 2 2 Galway 350 102 112 115 2 Mayo 98 43 17 35 21 Ireland West 461 152 131 152 25


2005 (All €m) Total spend UK visitors



Others

Roscommon 16 8 4 2 2 Galway 347 92 127 104 24 Mayo 78 38 21 17 2 Ireland West 441 138 152 123 28 (Source: Ireland West Tourism, Regions - West) Tourist Numbers The breakdown on numbers of overseas tourists is as follows: 2003 (000) Total UK Mainland

Europe North American Others

Roscommon 38 19 8 10 1 Galway 951 262 338 301 50 Mayo 290 112 82 83 13 2004 (000) Total UK Mainland


Roscommon 44 24 8 10 2 Galway 1,029 288 351 306 83 Mayo 303 116 84 84 19 2005 (000) Total UK Mainland


Roscommon 45 27 6 9 3 Galway 869 301 223 280 65 Mayo 247 111 53 70 13 (Source: Ireland West Tourism, Regions - West)


County Income Summary/Commentary Total income per person in 2004 was €20,093 compared to a state average of €23221. This represents a narrowing of the gap since 1998 – 86.5% of the national average in 2004 compared to 84.4% in 1998 Total income is comprised of primary income plus social benefits plus other transfers. Disposable income (total income minus taxes and social insurance) also shows an improvement relative to the national average. It was €16,768 compared to a state figure of €18,781, rise from 88.1% in 1998 to 89.3% in 2004. These figures can be taken to show a trend of increasing prosperity in the county relative to the country as a whole. This is a similar pattern in most western counties. Whilst positive, the figures undoubtedly belie differences within the county. Estimates of Primary, Total and Disposable Income, 2004 (All €m) Compensation of

Employees Income Of Self Employed

Primary Income*

Social Transfers

Total Household Income**

Roscommon 605 171 856 184 1041 Galway 2653 626 3703 801 4529 West 4576 1151 6407 434 7884 State 53,779 10,837 72,523 14,453 87461 (Source: CSO, County Incomes & Regional GDP for 2004, February 2007) *Primary Incomes also includes Rent of Dwellings, dividends and interest **Total Household Income does not precisely equal Primary Income plus Social Transfers due to statistical discrepancy at uncovered at state level. Disposable Income (Disposable Income equals total income minus current taxes and social insurances) Indices of Disposable Income (State = 100) 1998 2000 2002 2004 Roscommon 88.1 88.3 89.2 89.3 Galway 96.4 96.6 96.9 99.2 West 92.9 93 93.1 95.1 State 100 100 100 100 Estimate of Disposable Income (€ Per person) 1998 2000 2002 2004 Roscommon 10,347 12380 15,307 16,768 Galway 11,322 13,551 16,631 18,640 West 10,903 13,046 15,970 17,852 State 11,739 14,027 17,167 18,781 (Source: CSO, County Incomes and Regional GDP, 2004, February 2007) Note that the figures for earlier years (i.e. 1998, 2000 and 2002) differ from estimates given in earlier publications. This is due to the ongoing revisions provided by CSO in each edition of County Incomes and Regional GDP reports.


Total Income (Total Income equals primary income plus social benefits plus other current transfers) Indices of Total Income (State = 100) 1998 2000 2002 2004 Roscommon 84.4 84.4 85.7 86.5 Galway 94.3 94.5 95.2 98.7 West 90.1 90 90.8 93.8 State 100 100 100 100 Total Income (€) per person 1998 2000 2002 2004 Roscommon 12,387 14,854 18,008 20,093 Galway 13,840 16,629 20,005 22,920 West 13,225 15,904 19,065 21,776 State 14,678 17,600 21,008 23,221 (Source: CSO, County Incomes & Regional GDP for 2004, February 2007) Note: The county estimates should be interpreted with caution, as the underlying data is not always sufficiently robust. They should be treated as indicator of relative levels rather than accurate absolute figures. Note that the figures for earlier years (i.e. 1998, 2000 and 2002) differ from estimates given in earlier publications. This is due to the ongoing revisions provided by CSO in each edition of County Incomes and Regional GDP reports.


Welfare Recipients of Social Welfare payments, 2005 Old Age Widows,

Widowers, One Parent Families

Child Related (Ex. Child Benefit)

Illness, Disability & Caring

Live Register

Employment Supports

Supplementary Welfare Allowance

4805 2444 156 3273 1190* 7683 384 * Current Figure (January 2007) is 1342 (Source: Department of Social& Family Affairs) Unemployment There were 1374 persons on the Live Register in February 2007. The Live Register is not designed to measure unemployment as it includes part-time, seasonal and casual workers entitled to Unemployment Assistance or Benefit. The Quarterly National Household Survey measures unemployment but this does not show county breakdowns. If Roscommon has average levels of part-time, seasonal and casual workers, we can estimate the unemployment rate to be approximately half of the Live Register figure. Live Register by Local Office January

2005 February 2006

February 2007

February 2007 %

Boyle 352 343 382 27.8% Castlerea 614 539 626 45.6% Roscommon 361 332 366 26.6% Total 1327 1214 1374 100 The overall Live Register trend show a decrease from 2045 in 1998 to 1716 in 2000 through to a low of 1214 in 2006 and the current figure of 1374. The rise of 160 persons in the period February 2006 to February 2007 is high - 13%, compared to the overall West region (rise of 1.76%) and the state (drop of 0.14%). (Source: CSO, Live Register, February 2007)


Education Summary/Commentary The 2002 Census recorded 6346 persons with a third level qualification in the county. This equates to 17.2% of those who have completed their education, considerable lower than the national average of 24.6% Of these, 20.3 % had qualified in science, business and IT subjects, seen as the drivers of the modern Irish economy, compared to 29.5% nationally. There is evidence to suggest that both these figures (number of graduates and types of subject chosen) will have considerably improved when the Education Volume of the 2006 Census is released Roscommon currently sends approximately 600 new entrants to Colleges of Higher Education each year and has a total enrolment of 2200 students across all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The 2004 rate of Admission is 57.8% of 17 –19 year olds (rises to 58.1% if colleges in Northern Ireland are included). This rate has risen from 28% (1980), 40.9% (1992) and 50.2% (1998). The 2004 national average is 55%. The principal destination colleges are in Galway, Dublin, Westmeath and Sligo. Approximately 48% attend Institutes of Technology, 47% attend HEA institutions (universities) and 5% go to Teacher Training or other colleges. The subjects area chosen (2004) are Humanities & Arts 15%, Social Science, Business and Law 27%, Science, Maths and Computing 14%, Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction 14%, Others 30%. This represents a significant trend towards science and business subjects, closely matching national average and showing considerable change form graduate levels recorded in the 2002 Census. In addition to students from the county, The Roscommon labour force benefits form the availability of graduates from colleges adjacent tot the county There are over 23000 full-time students at the four nearby Colleges of Higher Education i.e. NUI Galway and the three Institutes of Technology at Athlone, Galway and Sligo. The annual number of graduating students is about 9900. This ensures a plentiful supply of qualified personnel to join the county’s labour market each year at certificate, diploma, degree and post-graduate level. 34% of these are science, engineering or IT graduates. Overall, therefore, the third level educational profile f the county is improving in terms of participation and graduation rates, types of subject chosen and capacity of nearby colleges to provide skills relevant in a changing labour market.


Overview of Educational Participation Number of Institutions Number of Students Primary 95 6164 Secondary 6 2158 Vocational 3 377 Community 1 614 Third Level within Roscommon

1 – County Roscommon Higher Education Centre

139 attending courses at national certificate or diploma level; 213 attending other IT or recreational courses

Education Participation Rates % of Population aged over 15 years who have completed education, based on 2002 Census Education Level Roscommon

% Ireland %

Primary or no formal 27.7 22.2 Upper second level 29.6 29.1 Third level 17.2 24.6 Education ceased before age 15

25.3 21.9

Education ceased after age 20 15.2 20.5 (Derived from sources: CSO, Census 2002 and GAMMA, 2004, Analysis for Roscommon) Third Level The 2002 Census records that 6346 persons or 17.2% of those who have completed their education have a third level qualification (degree or non-degree). This compares with 24.6% for the state as a whole. Persons aged 15 and over who have completed their education with a third level qualification, based on 2002 Census Number of persons % Of populationCounty Roscommon 6346 17.2% Roscommon Town 733 23% Boyle 281 18.1% Castlerea 219 17.1% (Source: CSO, County Roscommon SAPS, 2002) Graduate Breakdown by Subject Area 2002 Humanities & Arts

Social Science, Business & Law

Science, Maths & Computing

Engineering, Manufacturing & Construction

Others or unstated

Total

471 776 674 661 3764 6346 (Census of Population, 2002, Small Area Population Statistics – Roscommon)


Third Level Participation Rate 2216 students from Roscommon attended third level institutions in Ireland in 2003/2004: 1069 (48%) Institutes of Technology; 1039 (47%) HEA institutions (universities); 36 (1.6%) Teacher Training Colleges; 72 (3.2%) miscellaneous other colleges. The most popular locations of destination colleges are: County of Destination College

2001/02 N = 2025

2003/04 N = 2216 Distance from Roscommon Town

Galway (GMIT, NUIG) 28.2% 30.2% 78kms Dublin (Several) 23.5% 23.4% 156 kms Westmeath (AIT) 15.5% 14.7% 32kms Sligo (ITS) 14.9% 145 85 kms Limerick (UL, LIT) 8.8% 7% 172 kms Kildare (NUIM) 3.5% 2.8% 133 kms (Department of Education & Science, Statistical Report 2003/2004) Roscommon currently sends approximately 600 new entrants to Colleges of Higher Education each year. The County Rate of Admission stands at 57.8%, above the national average of 55%. The greatest concentrations of those progressing to third level are in the following electoral districts Oakport (to the north of the county), Kiltoom and Athlone West Rural. Roscommon’s Rate of Admission to Higher Education* (* The denominator used by the HEA for calculating Admission Rates is the average of the number of people aged 17 - 19 years) The 2004 Rate of Admission is 57.8% (rises to 58.1% if colleges in Northern Ireland are included). This rate has risen from 28% (1980), 40.9% (1992) and 50.2% (1998). The 2004 national average is 55%. (HEA, 2006, Who Went to College in 2004? A National Survey of New Entrants to Higher Education, Table 5.2) Comparative Rate of Admission by County With an admission rate of 57.8%, Roscommon ranks 11th out of 26 counties for percentage of entrants to all higher education colleges. Relative Ranking of Counties for Rates of Admission (% to Higher Education by Type of College) Rate of Admission (%) Rank (of 26) All Colleges 57.8 11th Universities 23.4 14th Institutes of Technology 30.6 7th Colleges of Education 2.9 12th Other 0.9 20th


New Entrants by Subject Area The latest yearly record of new entrants from Roscommon enrolling in Colleges of Higher Education is 556 (2004). Breakdown of new entrants from Roscommon by subject area 2004 Humanities & Arts 15.1% Social Science, Business and Law 26.9% Science, Maths and Computing 13.7% Engineering, Manufacturing and Construction 14.1% Other 30.2% (HEA, 2006, Who Went to College in 2004? A National Survey of New Entrants to Higher Education, Table 2.6) Adjacent Colleges of Higher Education There are four relevant adjacent Colleges for Higher Education: National University of Ireland, Galway 78 km Galway Mayo Institute of Technology 78 km Athlone Institute of Technology 32km Sligo Institute of Technology 85 km (Distances from Roscommon Town) There are over 25000 full-time students at these four colleges. The annual number of new entrants to these colleges is approximately 6500 and the annual number of graduating students is about 9900. Summary statistics for adjacent Colleges of Higher education 2003/2004* First year enrolments 2003/2004 6551Total number of students on 2003/2004 23167Total number of graduates in 2004** 9899(* All figures in this section refer to full-time students only) (** Refers to 2004 for the three ITs and 2003 for NUIG) First year students at adjacent Colleges of Higher Education in 2003/2004 NUIG 2522AIT 1217GMIT 1724IT Sligo 1088Total 6551 All enrolments at adjacent Colleges of Higher Education in 2003/2004* NUIG 11326AIT 3517GMIT 4984IT Sligo 3340Total 23167 (* All figures in this section refer to full-time students only) Graduates of adjacent Colleges of Higher Education in 2003/2004 NUIG 3751AIT 1887GMIT 2540IT Sligo 1721Total 9899(Source for tables above: composite information in response to request to HEA and DES)


Destination of Roscommon Graduates The rate of graduate return to the county is low. The following table shows the levels of return of those graduates who attended second level schools in the county. This is the County’s retention rate, an indicator of the ability of graduates to find employment in their county of origin Location of First Employment for Roscommon Graduates (primary and higher degrees, recorded nine months after graduation) 2000 2002 2004 Roscommon 7% 15% 19% (Source: Higher Education Authority, First Destinations Reports, 2000, 2002 and 2004) Roscommon ranks 18th out of the 26 counties for retention of graduates. The highest rate is Dublin (77%) and the lowest is Meath (10%). Figures for adjacent counties are Galway (52%), Sligo (34%), Westmeath (22%), Leitrim (19%) and Longford (13%) The figures should be treated with caution, as the sample size used by the HEA is small. The HEA no longer supplies detail on the non-home county destinations of new graduates. The last available breakdown is for 2002. In that year, 15% got their first jobs in Roscommon, 37% went to Dublin, 42% to other Irish destinations and 6% overseas. Higher Education in Roscommon Co. Roscommon HEC is a third level outreach centre offering third level courses from a number of colleges across Ireland. It was established in September 2003 by a consortium of education, training, and business interests in Co. Roscommon, with Roscommon Vocational Education Committee as the lead agency. Co. Roscommon HEC co-ordinates, delivers and sources third level courses in Co. Roscommon for the following: 1. Adult learners: Individuals who wish to pursue an academic qualification either for

career or self-development reasons; 2. Adult returners: Individuals who are returning to education after a prolonged period of

absence from the educational sector; 3. Business/Organisations: Agencies who wish to rent the use of the centre for training

days or seminars or to gain accreditation in business related courses; 4. Voluntary/Community Sector: Organisations who wish to rent the use of the centre for

training days or seminars, or to gain accreditation in community development courses.

The centre aims to enhance economic and social development in Co. Roscommon by providing further and tertiary-level education and training opportunities, through full-time and part-time courses, distance education approaches and the use of information and communication technologies. In 2006, there was total enrolment of 352 students. Of these, 139 (40%) took courses leading to nationally certified certificates or diplomas; 144 (41%) undertook various types of computer training and 69 (19%) participated in short, recreational courses. Courses offered in the 2006 academic year included: Course Numbers

attending % Of total

Diploma in Business Management 9 2.5% Diploma in Front Line Management 18 5.1%


Higher Certificate in Business Studies 15 4.3% Higher Certificate in Workplace and Community Practice

15 4.3%

Certified Payroll Technician 15 4.3% Certificate in Addiction Studies 21 6% Certificate in Educational Principles and Practice 15 4.3% Human Resource management courses 15 4.3% Certificate in Personnel Practice 16 4.5% Various Information Technology courses 144 40.9% Recreational Courses 69 19.6% Adult Education and Training and Vocational Training in Roscommon The following is a summary of other current (2006- 2007) training provision in the county. County Roscommon VEC • Community Education – almost 2000 people take part in Community Education in

Roscommon each year – this is described in the 2000 White Paper as ‘ a process of communal education towards empowerment, both at an individual and a collective level. Such an approach to community education sees it as an interactive challenging process, not only in terms of its content but also in terms of its methodologies and decision making processes.’

• Back to Education Initiative (BTEI) - The BTEI provides part-time Further Education programmes for young people and adults. The aim is to give people an opportunity to combine a return to learning with family, work and other responsibilities. Approximately 120 people participate annually, gaining FETAC qualifications

• Senior Traveller Training Centre • Literacy – over 500 persons annually receive literacy tuition • Prison Learning – County Roscommon VEC provides over 10,000 hours of tuition in the

Education Unit of Castlerea Prison. • VTOS - the Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme. This scheme enables adults to

return to education. County Roscommon VEC operates three VTOS centres in County Roscommon, at Roscommon Town, Castlerea and Boyle.

• Youthreach – Ballaghdereen Youthreach provides education and training programmes to young people who have left school without adequate qualifications.

• Post Leaving Certificate courses – PLCs are run in Roscommon and Boyle and cater for school leavers or adults wishing to return to education. Courses in include Secretarial, Business Studies, Tourism, Computer Applications, E-Business, Childcare

Others Other courses relevant to specific sectors are offered by Teagasc, Roscommon County Enterprise Board, Roscommon Partnership, and the Health Service Executive etc FÁS courses are offered on an outreach basis through local sponsors of schemes. The FÁS Training Centres in Galway, Ballina, Athlone and Sligo offer 120, 26, 128 and 42 courses respectively. Conclusion The County Admission Rate to Third Level is up from 28% in 1980 to 58% in 2004, above the national average (The denominator used by the HEA for calculating Admission Rates is the average of the number of people aged 17 - 19 years). Students choosing ICT and business subjects have risen to 28% from 20.3% in 2002, although we will need to await CSO figures to see how this filters through to graduation levels rather than take-up levels.


Local opportunities are increasing and more graduates are returning. With the development of County Roscommon HEC, there has been an increase in employment and industry related training. There is a considerable challenge to build on this and make sufficient industry linkage as well as assist NTEs (non-traditional entrants) to access further education and prepare for employment progression.


Housing Housing Completions in recent years 2005 2004 2003 2002 Local Authority 46 Voluntary and Co-operative 14

35* 117* 90*

Private 1256 1135 773 650 Total 1316 1170 890 740 * Only cumulative figure available for both local authority and voluntary sector These figures are based on the number of new developments connected by the ESB to the electricity supply network and may not accord precisely to the local authority boundary. Housing Completions by Type 2005 Individual homes 552 Scheme Houses 662 Apartments 102 Total 1316 Supply of Zoned Land Hectares 89 – number of housing units 1935 Total Number of Travellers in all Categories of Accommodation (25 November 2005) Total accommodated by or with Assistance of Local Authority 53 On Unauthorised Sites 5 Private Rented (estimate) 3 Shared Housing 9 Total 70 Disabled Persons & Essential Repairs Grants Paid by Local Authorities 2005 Number of Disabled persons Grants Paid 178 Essential Repairs grants Paid 170 Private Rented Housing Registrations (31 December 2005) Total Number of tenancy registrations in Roscommon entered on PRTB computer system: 426 (Source: Department of Environment, Heritage & Local Government: Annual Housing Statistics Bulleting 2005)


Commuting Means of Travel To and From Work, 2002 Total Persons 33291 Means Number in

Roscommon % in Roscommon % Nationally

On Foot 3284 9.9 16.9 Bicycle 404 1.2 2.3 Bus, minibus, Coach 4773 14.3 13.6 Train 68 0.2 1.8 Motorcycle, Scooter 95 0.3 0.8 Motor Car -Driver/Passenger 12592/6797 37.8/20.4 36.4/17.1 Lorry, Van 2243 6.7 4.4 Other Means 141 0.4 0.3 Work Mainly from Home 2485 7.5 4.4 Not Stated 409 1.2 1.8 Total 33291 100 100 (Source: CSO, Vital Statistics 2004, - figures are consistent with but show small variations with Census figures) Distance Travelled To and From Work Total Persons 33291 Distance Number in

Roscommon % in Roscommon

% Nationally

0 miles 1674 5.0 3.5 1 mile 5495 16.5 20.3 1 - 2 miles 3255 9.8 11.1 3 - 4 miles 4517 13.5 14 5 – 9 miles 6291 18.9 17.2 10 –14 miles 3242 9.7 8.8 15 – 29 miles 3059 9.2 8.8 30 + miles 1850 5.6 4.1 Not Stated 3908 11.7 12.2 33291 100 100 (Source: CSO, Vital Statistics 2004, - figures are consistent with but show small variations with Census figures) 24.5 % of persons (8151 persons), excluding those who do not state distance, travel more than 10 miles to work. New Vehicles Licensed for First Time 1998 2000 2002 2004 2005 State 172,524 274,990 193,743 195,507 219,284 Roscommon 1952 3361 2585 2978 3670 (Sources: CSO, Statistical Yearbook of Ireland 2004, 2006) The number of new vehicles licensed in Roscommon increased from 1952 in 1998 to 3670 in 2005, a jump of 1718 or 88%. This compares to an increase across the state of 27%.


Broadband Telecommunications Roscommon’s current access to Broadband is as follows:

• DSL (digital subscriber line) is a low cost broadband technology that is usually available in urban areas up to 4km from a DSL –enabled exchange. At present, broadband delivered by DSL is available from the following exchanges:

Ballaghadereen Ballinasloe/Creagh Ballyfarnan Boyle, Carrick – Shannon/Cortober, Castlerea Knockcroghery Monksland Rooskey Roscommon Strokestown This effectively means that a broadband supply with residential and business service offerings is available up to four kilometres of these exchanges, subject to line test. • MANs – Metropolitan Area Networks in Roscommon Town, Monksland and Castlerea

(planned) will offer broadband access via optical fibre through carrier-neutral infrastructure. The Roscommon Town network is in place but without service provision as yet.

• Wireless and Satellite – Last Mile Wireless and Azotel-Brisknet offer wireless distribution of broadband services from local transmission stations around the county. (See map) below. Direct satellite broadband is available in most parts of Roscommon, provided by 12 satellite broadband service providers listed on the Department of Communications website operating in County Roscommon. However only the following have service details available:

Digiweb, Satellite, Orbitlink, Pure Telecom Satellite, Avonline, Eircom Satellite, Media Satellite, Broadband Wherever.

Map of Wireless Broadband Networks County Roscommon



Childcare The following pre-school services were available in the county 2004 2006 Number of facilities 53 50 Full day care places 246 443 Part-time/sessional places 631 931 These figures are substantially augmented by the number of childminders who look after children in their own homes. (Source: Roscommon County Childcare Committee, end of year returns 2004 and 2006 to Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform)


Community & Voluntary Activity There are currently over 230 organisations in the community and voluntary sector providing services through over 1,000 volunteers and 200 paid staff. There is a wide diversity of services across the sector: • Arts • Heritage • Community and parish councils • Enterprise and job creation • Environmental and conservation • Local development • Childcare • Eldercare • Healthcare • Services for those with disabilities • Social services • Community development • Sport • Tourism

County Roscommon has two Community Fora – one in the North of the County and the second in the South of the County. 230 voluntary/community groups are affiliated to the Fora through which they gain linkage to a wide range of local government and other agencies e.g. • The Fora is represented and actively participates on the County Development Board,

the four Implementation Groups of the CDB, and the Equality Proofing Group of the CDB, the CDB Housing Forum and the Strategic Policy Committees of Roscommon County Council. A feedback mechanism is in place to and from representatives and groups at local level.

• The Fora are represented on the Roscommon Partnership Company, FAS Social Economy Working Group, Roscommon County Enterprise Board, Roscommon County Childcare Committee, Higher Education Outreach Working Group and Roscommon Sports Partnership and others.

Social Inclusion The Roscommon Social Inclusion Measures (SIM) Working Group of the Roscommon County Development Board was set up in January 2001 to provide a forum for co-ordinating the delivery of social inclusion measures to vulnerable and disadvantaged groups. The objective of these measures is the creation of an integrated, equal society in which all groups and communities can participate and gain access to normal social, cultural and recreational opportunities. At present, the following organisations are in receipt of €30,000,000 combined funding under the current National Development Plan to provide services that promote social inclusion in the county: Athlone Community Taskforce Arigna LEADER Ballaghdereen CDP Comhairle Department of Social & Family Affairs FÁS, Roscommon An Garda Síochána, Roscommon Mid – South Roscommon LEADER


Midland Regional Support Agency Roscommon County Childcare Committee Roscommon County Council Roscommon Partnership Company Roscommon Traveller and Development Centre Roscommon VEC Western Health Board (Source: Roscommon CDB, Audit of Service Provision, Social Inclusion Measures) The new National Development Plan has provided for €49.6 billion for Social Inclusion Measures. This includes €489 million for the Community Services Programme, €178 million for Community Development Programmes, €417mllion for LDSIP, €197 m for community and voluntary sector supports, €319 m for Drugs Strategy. These and other funds will mean significant extra resources to tackle social exclusion at local level.


Sports and Leisure Clubs The following clubs are currently active: Sport Number of Clubs Active Retirement 22 Adventure Clubs 6 Angling 6 Archery 1 Athletics 5 Badminton 5 Basketball 6 Boxing 2 Cycling 1 Equestrian 2 GAA – Ladies Football 20 GAA - Football 30 GAA – Hurling & Camogie 8 GAA - Handball 10 Golf 8 Gymnastics 3 Martial Arts 8 Rowing 1 Rugby 1 Soccer 20 Special Needs 2 Swimming 3 Tennis 4 Walking 5 Water Sports 6 (Source: Roscommon Sports Partnership, Current Directory)


Miscellaneous Electoral Register and Turnout Figures for the number of people on the live register of electors 2004/2005 are: Athlone 9,479 Ballaghadereen 7,209 Boyle 8,147 Castlerea 6,366 Roscommon 9,367 Strokestown 6,971 TOTAL 46,539 Percentage voter turnout for the local elections held in June 2004: Electoral Area Total Electorate Total Poll % Turnout Athlone 9727 6631 68.17% Ballaghadereen 7437 4911 66.03% Boyle 8505 5825 68.48% Castlerea 5474 3766 68.79% Roscommon 9698 6755 69.65% Strokestown 7088 5042 71.13% (Source: Roscommon County Council) Travellers Number of Travellers: 320 (Census 2006). This equals 5.4 Travellers per 1,000 of population Travellers per

1,000 persons Roscommon 5.4 State 5.3 Religion Roman Catholic Other Stated

Religion No Religion Not Stated

Males 25838 884 581 280 Females 24776 755 384 276 Total 50614 1639 965 556 (CSO: Census 2002) Carers The total numbers of carers is1361 Number of Hours of unpaid help per week 1 - 14 15 - 28 29 – 42 43+ Males 631 137 60 220 Females 730 160 89 455 Total 1361 297 149 675 (CSO: Census 2002)


Disability 5315 persons have a disability. This is 9.88% of the total population compared to state average of 8.3%. Persons with a Disability by age group Age in Years 0 - 14 15 - 24 25 - 44 45 - 64 65+ Persons 220 227 696 1312 2860 (CSO, Census 2002)

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