2. Globalisation is a process that is leading to the world becoming more connected due to the exchange of goods, people, ideas and information. Read the article below about a rural Irish town becoming more connected to the rest of the world and answer each of the following questions.
High-speed internet puts Skibbereen at the centre of the world for connectivity
In 2016, Skibbereen became Ireland’s first one gigabit town. Before this, Skibbereen was like many rural towns, with very low levels of broadband internet. The access to high speed broadband has attracted businesses to the town who can now have a global presence. Fifteen families have moved or relocated to Skibbereen since May 2018, attracted by the high-quality
jobs, as well as the quality of life. They tell of escaping the daily commuting nightmare, lower housing costs and lower childcare costs. High- speed broadband is clearly having a positive effect on economic development in the town and is contributing to a sustainable future for Skibbereen.
(i) How many families have moved or relocated to Skibbereen since May 2018?
(ii) Name two pull factors mentioned in the article that attract families to live in the area.
(iii) Imagine you are setting up a business in Skibbereen. How will having access to high-speed broadband be of benefit to your business?
Exam hint!
Think back to the push and pull factors for migration that we studied in Chapter 19.