Shared Island: Projects, Progress & Policy, A Regional Perspective on Ireland, North and South

Abstract

This report from the NESC Secretariat examines the economic features of regions across the island of Ireland, north and south. It is one of series of reports being published by NESC this year on the Shared Island.

The report finds that across a range of variables for Ireland, there is a broad division between north and west of the country and the south and east. For the most part the more prosperous areas are south of a line between Galway and Dundalk. Within Northern Ireland, there is something of an east–west division: the more affluent areas are clustered around Belfast.

The report also considers regional development issues. It points to the opportunity for deeper collaboration to promote balanced regional development on the island including the border area.