Overview of the Mid-West SPA Introduction
The Mid-West Spatial Planning Area (SPA) includes the counties of Clare, Limerick and the northern part of Tipperary and comprises three Local Authorities - Clare County Council (118,817 population), Limerick City and County Council (195,175 population) and Tipperary County Council (159,553 population). The population of the northern part of Tipperary is 71,282. The area’s population (excluding the south of Tipperary) is 384,998 (8.1% of the State population). Between 2006 and 2016, the Mid-West increased its population base by 23,970 or 6.6% (excluding South Tipperary). The Mid-West is well positioned to build synergies between Galway to the north and Cork to the south due to improved and planned transport connections. However, creating a greater connection with Waterford is more challenging and is a key aim of the RSES. The SPA is focused on the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area (132,420). This represents 3% of the State population and 8% of the Region’s total population.
The Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan Area is 387 sq.km and in population and in area terms, it is the third largest metropolitan area in the State. In 2016, the population of Limerick City and Suburbs was 94,192 people while Shannon recorded a population of nearly 9,729. The population of Limerick City and Suburbs increased by 3% between 2011 and 2016 and Shannon’s population grew by 0.6% during the same period. Outside the Metropolitan Area, four Key Towns have been identified: Ennis (25,276 population), Nenagh (8,968 population), Thurles (7,940 population) and Newcastle West (6,619 population). Settlements such as Roscrea (5,446 population), Kilrush (2,719 population), Abbeyfeale (2,023 population), Newport (1,995 population), Templemore (1,939 population), Newmarket-On-Fergus (1,784 population), Killmalock (1,668 population) offer a vibrant mix of towns and contrasting landscapes, a high quality of life, a range of existing and planned social amenities, educational facilities and the availability of housing in the Mid-West SPA. Settlements in the Mid-West SPA such as Adare, Askeaton, Ballina, Ennistymon, Killaloe, and Scarriff (inter alia) offer employment opportunities and services in strategically located areas. They provide services, social opportunities, employment, infrastructure and are home to a network of communities. The health and growth of the Region’s towns and villages is essential for effective regional development.
Southern Regional Assembly | RSES
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