Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 103 5.3.2 Demographic Trends According to the Census of 2016, Westmeath has a population of 88,770 persons. The County has experienced steady population growth across each intercensal period, with significant growth in the twenty years between 1996, where the population was 63,314 persons. In the period between the 2011 census and 2016 census, Westmeath’s population increased by approximately 3%, roughly similar to the national average growth rate, with 2,606 new residents residing in the County. The County has an average age of 36.3 years, with a substantial proportion of its population, almost 65%, of working age (persons aged 15 to 64). There is a large proportion of younger residents, with 22.3% of residents aged 0 to 14 years old. As of 2016, the largest cohort of the population was aged 30 to 39, representing over 15% of the total population. This would indicate a County with a strong working age population, essential for a thriving economy. It is also worth noting the next largest cohort are those aged 0 to 9 years old. Again, this is extremely positive for the County as it highlights the relative youthfulness of Westmeath. Westmeath is also a County in which most of the population considers themselves to be in good health. The Census poses this question to respondents, with 87.3% of people in Westmeath stating their health is either ‘good’ or ‘very good’. 5.3.3 Economic Trends Ireland’s economy continues to grow at a robust rate, with the ESRI projecting that the domestic economy will grow by 5 per cent in 2019 and 3.1% in 2020 despite a considerable degree of uncertainty in the economy (notably Brexit)1. Employment in Ireland is at its highest ever level, with 2.3 million people at work and the lowest unemployment rate in 14 years. ESRI (2019) considers that despite personal consumption and business expenditure below predictions and the need for clarity on Brexit, the Irish economy appears to be operating at its full potential level. The growth in personal consumption and business expenditure will have direct implications for the economic development of Westmeath and the wider economy. Westmeath plays a core role in a vibrant and compact Midlands, with each of the region’s other key towns within a 30-60 minute drive. Internally, the core towns of Westmeath are interconnected by road networks which provide good connectivity between the key settlements of Athlone and Mullingar. Westmeath’s centrality ensures it is an open and accessible place, ideally located in the heart of Ireland. Furthermore, Westmeath is a relatively well-connected County in respect of internet connectivity, something that is becoming increasingly important in today’s economy. Approximately 65% of all households in the County have broadband connection. In Athlone the proportion of households with broadband is almost 71%, whereas in Mullingar this increases to 72.5% of households. 1 Economic and Social Research Institute, Quarterly Economic Commentary Autumn 2019

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 104 5.3.3.1 Active Enterprises and Employment In Westmeath, the census recorded that since 2011 the total number of ‘active enterprises’ has increased from 4,481 to 4,786 in 20172. The latest figures for 2017 are higher than those recorded in 2008 (4,679 active enterprises), which was the beginning of the global economic downturn. This would indicate that there has been a return to, and improvement on, pre-crash levels of enterprise. The numbers of employees would also suggest significant improvements in recent years, with 2011 figures totalling 12,976 persons, whereas the figures for 2017 show 17,054 persons employed. Figures for 2017 suggest that companies operating in the ‘business economy’ are the major employers, with 17,054 employees. Manufacturing plays a significant role, with its employee total reaching 4,434, making it the next largest. 5.3.3.2 Disposable Income Disposable income is also a useful barometer of how well the economy is performing in a particular region. CSO estimates of disposable income in 2017 show that Westmeath has an average of €18,692 per person3. This estimate is higher than the averages for each of the other Midlands counties (Laois, Longford and Offaly), where the average is €17,923 per person. Indeed, Westmeath has a higher average disposable income than the combined averages for the Border region (€17,382) and the West region (€18,607). Household median gross income differs in different parts of County Westmeath, with Electoral Divisions (EDs) located near the larger settlements of Athlone and Mullingar performing better than more remote EDs. This is to be expected as rural areas, both nationally and internationally, tend to have lower average incomes than their urban counterparts. The average household income in Westmeath is €46,196, which places it at 2.1% higher than the State figure of €45,256. 5.4 Employment Live register figures are available at sub-regional level on a monthly basis4. For the Midlands region, there has been a consistent drop in the numbers of persons on the live register since before 2016. In January 2016 the total for the Midlands was 26,320 persons. By January 2017 this reduced to 22,642 persons, falling further to 18,798 persons in January 2018. Figures for the Midland’s live register in June of 2019 recorded a total of 15,463 persons. In 2016, Westmeath had an unemployment level of 9.7% while 51.1% of working age residents were employed, according to the Census of 2016. 2 Central Statistics Office – Business Demography 3 https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/er/cirgdp/countyincomesandregionalgdp2016/ 4 CSO – Persons on the Live Register by sex, region, age group and month

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 105 Figure 5.2. Westmeath Economic Profile

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 106 5.4.1. Labour Force Participation Rate The labour force participation rate, as defined by the CSO, expresses the labour force (i.e. those at work, looking for their first regular job and unemployed) as a percentage of the total population aged 15 years and over. It is another indicator of unemployment level, with the State recording a rate of 61.4% in 2016, lowering from 61.9% in 2011, a decline of 0.5%. Westmeath’s labour force participation rate has seen minor decline of 0.6% from 2011 to 2016. The labour force for Westmeath in 2016 comprised 41,955 persons and had a participation rate of 60.8%5. The Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan states the intention of government to bring and/or maintain unemployment levels in each region to within a single percentage point of the State average. 5.4.2 Employment Sectors Westmeath is a focal point for economic development and modern industry within the Midlands. It provides a strong economic centre for the region and province, with employment largely centred in Professional Services (23%), Commerce and Trade (22%) and Manufacturing Industries (13%). Table 5.1 below illustrates jobs by industry in Westmeath compared to Region and State figures. Table. 5.1 Local Jobs by Industry (%) in Comparison with the Region and State, Census 2016 5 Census 2016: Table EB016: Labour Force Participation and Unemployment Rate of Population Aged 15 Years and Over 2011 to 2016 by County and City, Sex, Age Group, Statistical Indicator and Census Year

5. Page 115

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 107 Table 5.2 illustrates a breakdown on the County’s labour force by broad industrial group over this period 2011-2016. It illustrates a growth in the labour force in the majority of industrial groups with notable changes in administrative and support service activities, construction and Information and communication groupings. Figure 5.3 compares the employment sectors between the County overall, Athlone and Mullingar. Industrial Group 2011 2016 Change Difference Information & Communication 867 1,182 36% 315 Electricity, Gas, Steam and Air Conditioning Supply 152 193 27% 41 Activities of Extraterritorial organisations and bodies 4 5 25% 1 Construction 1,696 2,008 18% 312 Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities 1,272 1,480 16% 208 Human Health and Social Work Activities 3,631 4,203 16% 572 Administrative and support service Activities 854 948 11% 94 Accommodation and Food Service Activities 1,808 1,980 10% 172 Arts, Entertainment and Recreation 449 491 9% 42 Real Estate Activities 124 133 7% 9 Manufacturing 3,831 4,085 7% 254 Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 1,854 1,944 5% 90 Transportation and Storage 1,200 1,244 4% 44 Other Service Activities 695 719 3% 24 Wholesale and Retail Trade 5,041 5,154 2% 113 Education 3,088 3,118 1% 30 Water supply; sewerage, waste management and remediation activities 168 163 -3% -5 Financial & Insurance Activities 971 896 -8% -75 Public administration and Defense 2,475 2,223 -10% -252 Mining and Quarrying 153 130 -15% -23 Unemployed looking for first regular job 666 700 5% 34 Industry not stated 1,959 2,950 51% 991 Unemployed, having lost/given up previous job 7,971 5,966 -25% -2005 Total 40,956 41,955 2% 999 Westmeath Population (Aged 15+) in the Labour Force 2011 to 2016 by Broad Industrial Group Activities of Households as Employers Producing Activities of Households for Own Use 27 38 41% 11 Table 5.2 Westmeath Population (Aged 15+) in the Labour Force 2011 to 2016 by Broad Industrial Group

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 108 Figure 5.3 Employment by industry for Westmeath, Athlone and Mullingar 5.4.3 Locations of Employment In terms of locations of employment, the CSO’s POWSCAR data offers a valuable insight. Typically, population centres tend to also provide employment centres. Larger settlements, such as Athlone and Mullingar, would usually provide higher numbers of jobs when compared to the rest of the County. This is both expected and necessary, as a critical mass of population is needed for services and employment, with clusters of businesses often co-locating. The map below provides a visual indication on the major areas of employment. It highlights the areas where there are higher proportions of ‘workers’ as compared to the usual ‘daytime population’. Darker shaded areas are those where there is a higher proportion of persons employed, relative to residents. Workplace zones in, or adjacent to, larger settlements show higher concentrations of employees. However, there are several rural workplace zones that also record high proportions of workers.

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 109 Figure 5.4 Concentration of daytime population by workplace zone 5.4.3.1 Socio-Economic Profile of People Working in Westmeath Table 5.3 breaks down the Westmeath workforce by socio-economic groupings of workers. It illustrates that there is a strong representation at employer, managerial and higher professional levels. There is also a high level of manual skilled and semi-skilled reflecting the strength of the manufacturing sector in the County.

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 110 Westmeath Socio-Economic Profile – Persons at Work (2016) Employers and Managers 4,845 Higher Professional 2,417 Lower Professional 5,513 Non-Manual 8,769 Manual Skilled 3,032 Semi-Skilled 3,723 Unskilled 1,113 Own Account Workers 1,703 Farmers 1,698 Agricultural Workers 236 All others gainfully occupied and unknown 2,240 Total 35,289 Table 5.3 Westmeath Socio-economic Profile 5.4.4 Athlone Athlone is home to 21,349 people and is connected to Ireland’s largest population centres by excellent road and rail infrastructure; with Dublin City & Airport, Galway City and Shannon Airport each within a 60-90 minute drive. Athlone’s designation in national planning as a ‘Regional Centre’ earmarks it for the highest levels of population and employment growth in the Midlands region (with a target of reaching 30,000 people by 2031). This is reflective of how its size and composition has changed in recent years already; growing by nearly 6% over the past five years alone; a faster rate than the national average (4% between 2011-2016). The town’s age profile illustrates that it is home to a very young demographic, largely under 35 years of age (53%); surpassing the national average (47%). This holds true within 60 minutes’ drive from the town (48%). Multi-lingualism and multi-culturalism are hallmarks for the town, with 23% of its resident population being of a non-Irish nationality (vs. 12% nationally). This highlights the impact of Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) and multi-national companies in attracting students and workers from oversees. This will be further enhanced as AIT and Limerick IT bid to form a new Technological University for the Midlands and Mid-West. Both domestic and international enterprise have come to Athlone to capitalise on the emerging research and development scene - which centres around AIT and its multiple research institutes (including ‘MRI’ for Polymer Materials, ‘BRI’ for bioscience R&D and ‘SRI’ for software innovation) and two Technology Gateways (APT and COMAND). Acting alongside applied industry partners and coupled with Garrycastle IDA Business and Technology Park, Athlone has established itself as an emerging hub for Life Sciences, Technology and Global Business Service providers. Athlone has a highly skilled workforce, with 30% of people having attained qualifications at 3rd level or above.

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   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 111 The town is also an affordable place to live and work in, particularly compared to Dublin City; with residents enjoying both shorter commute times and excellent schools, shopping and childcare facilities. The town also has numerous sports, recreation and natural amenities nearby. 5.4.4.1 Business Activity and Clustering There are almost 1,115 active businesses within 5km of Athlone, employing over 13,100 people from the town and the wider region. 24% of these businesses are in less conventional sectors, where emerging business clusters can often be found. These include the increasing presence of industry in the Life Sciences, R&D, Med-Tech and Global Business Services sectors. Athlone uniquely serves as an economic anchor for the region in attracting such employment and providing the necessary infrastructure to sustain it. The town’s Economic Strategy produced jointly by Westmeath County Council and Roscommon County Council (due to Athlone being located in both counties) ensures that growth is aligned with a strategic vision for the town’s future economic, social and physical development. Athlone Business Activity and Clustering

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    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPLOYMENT 5 Westmeath County Development Plan 2021-2027 112 5.4.5 Mullingar Mullingar is a focal point for economic development and modern industry within the Midlands. Home to 20,928 people, it is one of the region’s largest key towns and has a young and skilled workforce. Situated close to both the M4 and M6 motorways, Mullingar is highly accessible to Dublin City (within 60 minutes’ drive) providing new opportunities for existing business and attracting new industries seeking to capitalise upon the town’s advanced manufacturing specialism. More than half of the population of Mullingar (52%) are aged under 35 years; and almost half again are aged under 15. This places Mullingar ahead of the state average and denotes it as having a very young population. When coupled with the fact that over 25% of residents have attained a third level qualification or higher, it is clear to see how Mullingar’s skilled workforce has been successful in attracting inward investment in the form of R&D, manufacturing and financial services. Indeed, the town itself is home to ‘Irish Manufacturing Research’ (IMR), a not-for-profit research centre committed to delivering solutions to advanced manufacturing challenges by working with industry and academia to push the boundaries of R&D an attractive resource for further businesses seeking to capitalise on co-location. Living in Mullingar is much more affordable than living in Dublin (renting is twice as affordable), and median household incomes in Westmeath are over €41k per year; relatively high for the region. There is a fantastic selection of local amenities, from watersports to heritage sites to visit and the town is well served with schools, healthcare and childcare facilities. Mullingar provides a strong economic centre for the region, with employment largely centred in professional services (26%), manufacturing (17%), and commerce and trade sectors (24%). Mullingar is a part of the vibrant and compact Midlands, with each of the region’s other key towns within a 30- 60 minute drive.

Source Westmeath County Council: Westmeath County Development Plan 2021–2027 (2021–2027) · Licence the publisher's termsText read from the publisher’s PDF; tables, maps and drawings do not survive as text, and page numbers are the PDF’s (its first page is 1). Check the original before relying on a passage.