Determinants of Population Growth in Urban Centres in the Republic of Ireland

Growth in urban places in Ireland from 1966 to 1991 has been greatly influenced by proximity to Dublin. In fact, the best predictor of growth has been such relative proximity. Government efforts to disperse growth to other areas of the Republic, however, have had some effects. Centres in the north-west and west of the country have grown more than would otherwise have been expected. While the growth in these areas may not be sustainable, the effects of previous government policies have been obvious.