Tertiary Economic Activities

Tertiary Economic Activities are less developed than Dublin due to the region's status as a peripheral region. Two tertiary activities are Transport and Tourism.

Transport

• The main roads in the West of Ireland are often narrow and poorly maintained, impacting efficient transport and connectivity within the region.
• The M6 motorway, which links Galway to Dublin, has improved road transport, but other regional roads remain in poor condition.
• Rail systems in the West are limited and mostly serve as extensions of the Dublin-centric network, with a rail link from Galway to Athlone and Dublin.
• Air transport is supported by a small regional airport in Knock, with limited connectivity compared to larger international hubs. Galway Airport has closed due to low demand.
• Galway port facilitates sea transport for cargo and local ferries, contributing to the export of finished products and connecting the Aran Islands to the mainland.

*Knock Airport is far smaller than Dublin Airport *

Tourism

• Tourism is a crucial industry in the West of Ireland, drawing visitors to natural attractions like the rugged mountains, coastlines, and lakes such as Lough Conn and Lough Mask.
• The region's tourism industry benefits local businesses, as visitors spend money on accommodation, food, and other services, boosting the local economy.
• Hotels and B&Bs in the West cater to tourists, creating employment opportunities and supporting small businesses.
• Summer colleges in the Gaeltacht areas, such as those in Mayo and Galway, attract over 20,000 students annually, contributing to the local economy by providing accommodation and services.
• Tourism-related activities such as water sports, angling, and beach visits make the West a popular destination, further enhancing the tertiary sector's significance in the region.

*The Wild Atlantic Way is very popular with tourists *

Population Dynamics

The West of Ireland has an aging population and suffers outward migration due to its status as a peripheral region.

• The West of Ireland is dominated by mountainous terrain which discourages settlement and contributes to low population density.
• The lack of fertile land in the Western region limits agricultural productivity, leading to settlements being concentrated in more fertile lowland areas.
• Upland relief and harsh physical conditions in the West hinder mechanisation and make the area less suitable for dense settlement.
• Coastal areas in the West, such as Westport, have higher population densities due to the economic activities of fishing and tourism.
• During the 'Celtic Tiger', young people moved to urban areas in the West, like Galway, in search of employment, increasing the population of these towns. Gort in Co. Galway saw population growth due to the establishment of meat processing companies in the region.
• Galway City, as the largest urban centre and educational hub in the West, has attracted significant population growth, becoming a centre for modern industries.
• Coastal towns with tourism and fishing industries have higher population densities compared to the sparsely populated inland mountainous regions.
• The rural areas in the West are experiencing population decline as young people migrate to urban areas in search of employment and better living standards.