Castlebar labour catchment is fifth largest in western region
A new report shows that the Castlebar labour catchment is the fifth largest labour catchment in the western region.
This is one of the findings of a new report carried out by the Western Development Commission (WDC), which carried out in-depth research into the commuting patterns of those at work in the western region.
The town labour catchment is that area from which a town draws most of its workforce, and is a useful measure of labour supply.
Castlebar town labour catchment covers a large area but is mostly confined within the central area of Mayo and small areas in the west in areas such as Achill and Ballycroy.
In 2022, there were over 16,900 people classified as at work and living within the Castlebar labour catchment, which is three times as many workers living in Castlebar. This highlights the larger labour supply available to the town.
Since 2016, Castlebar labour catchment has increased by 22% (over 3,000 workers).
The report identifies 43 labour catchments in the western region (April 2022), ranging from the largest, Galway city, with over 88,000 resident workers, to centres with fewer than 1,000 resident workers.
There are a number of smaller labour catchments within or near the larger Castlebar catchment. The towns of Swinford, Charlestown, Ballyhaunis and Claremorris have their own labour catchments and play an important role in the economy of the region.
Of those living in the Castlebar labour catchment, 38.1% (6,475) are employed within Castlebar town and 62% (10,500) are employed outside the town and in the rest of the catchment and beyond.
Key destinations outside the town are Mayo Rural (24.9% or 4,238), Westport (5.8% or 978) and Ballina (3.1% or 521).
Those at work and living in the Castlebar catchment have a higher rate of third level education than in 1996 – 58.1%, up by 7.7%.
Commenting on the findings, the CEO of the WDC, Allan Mulrooney, said: “This is very valuable information as it provides robust analysis of travel to work patterns in centres such as Castlebar. It provides detailed data which will inform decisions on commuting and employment patterns and enterprise location.”