Population Density in Ireland As one moves from the West of Ireland to the East of Ireland (Dublin City) the population density generally increases. Chapter 7 - Population Density in Ireland

Population Density: Population Density: the average number of people living in a square kilometre. Population Distribution: Population Distribution: how people are spread out or dispersed around the world.

Chapter 7 - Population Density in Ireland

Rural Ireland - Past Chapter 7 - Population Density in Ireland

Rural Ireland - Today Chapter 7 - Population Density in Ireland

The West of Ireland The West of Ireland Why does the West of Ireland have a low population density? 1.Lack of services: 1.Lack of services: The lower the population density, the less services will be provided, i.e. shops are not going to locate in an area where they will not get enough customers to make a profit. 2.Rugged relief 2.Rugged relief makes the construction of infrastructure (roads etc) very expensive. Chapter 7 - Population Density in Ireland

3.Poor soils 3.Poor soils eg. Podzols which get waterlogged plus heavy rainfall (over 2500mm per year) make commercially intensive agriculture very difficult. 4.Small farms 4.Small farms predominant in the West of Ireland are no longer profitable. This leads to out-migration in rural areas. 5.Poor infrastructure distance from markets 5.Poor infrastructure and the large distance from markets hinders industrial development. Chapter 7 - Population Density in Ireland

push factors unemployment These are the push factors which create unemployment and force people to migrate or emigrate. Chapter 7 - Population Density in Ireland

What are the effects of the west having a low population density? Low marriage rates low birth rates Low marriage rates – young people migrate in search of a better lifestyle. This also leads to low birth rates. Abandonment of agricultural land Abandonment of agricultural land – young people migrate leaving their elderly parents to farm the land. Chapter 7 - Population Density in Ireland

parents die When their parents die they are often not very keen to take over the farm. Political and economic isolation Political and economic isolation – as young people migrate the demand for services (education etc.) declines. decreases the attraction This decreases the attraction for industry to the area. Chapter 7 - Population Density in Ireland