|
A socio-economic profile of the region is presented below, the figures presented are, with a few exceptions, taken from the 1996 Census. It can be expected that the figures shown have changed somewhat since 1996. In this regard West Cork in general will have converged with the national average.
The defined territory has a total population of 108,832, an increase of 3.5% in the period 1991 – 1996. For the most part, population increases were recorded in all of the regions principal towns and some of its more prominent villages, particularly in areas within commuting distance of Cork City. In the western part of the region, notable population increases in excess of 6% were recorded in parts each of the peninsulas. In each case the vibrancy of local villages appears to be a catalyst for growth, particularly for migrants to the region. Static populations or areas were population declines were recorded in the period 1991-1996 include the extremities of the peninsulas and in a significant number of rural locations in the Dunmanway hinterland. The town itself is notable for the fact that alone of all the region’s main settlements, the population decline in the period 1991-1996 was not reversed. Critically, many areas with an already low population density (less than 25 persons/km²) saw a further decline over this period. In these areas the viability of local services and communities is seriously threatened. The overall population density for the region of 34 inhabitants/km² is well below the national average of 53/km2
Whilst the area generally follows a rural settlement pattern there is a noticeable increase in density within the periphery of Cork city. The area has 8 towns with a population of over 1,500. Carrigaline (c.8,000) is classed as a satellite town of Cork city, whilst Bandon (c.5,000), Macroom (2,363) and Kinsale (c.1,759) are classed as ring towns. Beyond the immediate zone influenced by the city are Clonakilty (2,576), Dunmanway (c.1,600), Skibbereen (c.2,200) and Bantry (2,777). Source: Gamma (1999). It is in towns within the Greater Cork Area that strongest population and economic growth has occurred. It is now clear that development pressures within these towns have led to further difficulties for local communities and services.
The percentage of people in the dependent age category (<15 and >65 years old) is similar to the national average at 36%, though at DED level there are significant deviations, with particularly high dependent populations north and west of Dunmanway and between Skibbereen and Bantry. These two groups, children and the elderly have been identified in the National Anti-Poverty Strategy as being at high risk of poverty.
With some exceptions, the West Cork area
has proved to have a strong ability for concerted co-operative action at local
and regional levels and in a variety of sectors. It is clear that there is a high level of integration not
just at the social level but between social and economic aspects of the area –
livelihoods and social relations are all closely interrelated through their
connection to the natural resource base of the area. This is why an integrated
approach to development is essential.
Whilst community cohesion is strengthened by traditional institutions like the Church, GAA and local schools, it is clear from successful examples like Clonakilty and Rathbarry (both 1999 national winners in the Tidy Towns competition) that local drive and leadership is fundamental to the success of any initiative. The success of any development programme depends on its ability to foster and harness this leadership.
With regard to community and leadership
structures the West Cork LEADER Co-op has developed links with 35 broad based
community development groups, 40% of which are formally established Muintir na Tíre
Community Councils. The community
training programme initiated under the pilot LEADER programme has served as a
particularly useful channel in stimulating voluntary and community
participation.
In addition, there are a
significant number of tourism promotion groups, local heritage/historical
groups, environmental action groups and various other voluntary interest groups
with potential to lead development activity. West Cork LEADER Co-op supported 66
individual community/voluntary group projects under the LEADER II programme.
It is also evident that there is a
strong sense of regional identity, both within the area and in terms of the
perception of the area from outside. Source: Fuchsia Brands Ltd. 2000. This has
been a key to the successful development of the regional branding initiative,
which is documented in Appendix 7.
Access to education is generally
recognised as a key determinant in facilitating labour force participation.
Within the region, 48% of people who have completed their full time
education, left school by the age of 15. At DED level there are considerable
variations, but a pattern emerges showing an increase in early school leaving as
one progresses westwards. This may reflect the presence of a higher proportion
of elderly people, who attended school in an era with a lower average school
leaving age, though the situation did not improve between 1991 and 1996.
It should be noted that categories in which area percentages exceed
national figures for education completion are “lower secondary”, “upper
secondary”, “technical/vocational”, “both technical/vocational and
leaving cert” and “third level professional qualification”
Participation rates in continuing
vocational and third level education also exceed national figures, with 19.4% of
the area’s population having a minimum of a “third level sub degree
qualification. Source GAMMA (1998).
In a report commissioned from Executive Systems Research Centre, UCC to
determine the extent to which third level entrants were drawn to technology type
courses, it was found that on average of 336 students from West Cork would
graduate from technology courses each year over the next five years.
“However,
what became evident from the responses of companies and graduates is that the
number and type of opportunities needed to retain IT people, were not available
in the West Cork area. IT graduates require positions which further their
careers; the jobs they seek have to give them experience with the latest in
technology.”
Although labour force participation has
risen considerably there remains a problem of unemployment, underemployment or
reliance on seasonal and part-time work in certain parts of West Cork. As with
other indicators of disadvantage the inland DEDs north of Dunmanway and Bantry
have the highest unemployment rates. An alternative measure, the labour force
participation rate follows the east-west trend, with particularly low rates on
the peninsulas and away from the major thoroughfares. This is perhaps a
reflection of a higher number of women working in the home and not taking up
part-time work locally, perhaps due to the distance from main centres.
In contrast to the point above, the peninsulas exhibit a relatively high percentage of part-time workers. This is highest where there is also a high proportion of people involved in agriculture. The poorer soil and terrain in these areas, combined with typically smaller holdings mean that many farms do not provide a full income. Employment in fish processing and the tourism sector are also seasonal in these peripheral areas.