Rural Depopulation
As you have already learned from your studies of regional Geography, the West of Ireland suffers from rural depopulation. This creates socio-economic issues as a loss of young, skilled workers means regions are unable to attract MNCs or government investment. As young people leave, services such as post offices, banks and family shops close down. Education and health services are also disrupted as smaller numbers of children lead to smaller enrolments in schools and the withdrawal of GP services. Local clubs such as GAA, Community Games and youth clubs also struggle to recruit members or
: Fig. 3.3 Rural depopulation affects the west of Ireland.
volunteers. Agricultural land is also abandoned, as younger generations do not take over farms. In the longer term, the migration of people aged 18–30 leads to a decrease in birth rates, which in turn leads to further rural depopulation and decay.
Advantages of Immigration on Receiver/ Host Regions
Enrichment of Employee Skills Host regions benefit from an influx of highly skilled workers who bring their expertise to the country/region. This gaining of skills makes host regions more attractive for MNCs and further FDI as there is an adequate availability of a skilled workforce. Many host regions experience labour shortages which are filled by incoming migrants. This was the case in Ireland during the Celtic Tiger in which immigrants from Eastern Europe filled labour shortages in areas such as construction and food processing, which fuelled economic growth. By 2006, migrants were filling over two-thirds of all new job vacancies in the country and accounted for over 50 per cent of the food processing industry’s workforce. Migrants also filled medical labour shortages and brought their own expertise to the HSE.
Migrant workers also contribute to the economy through the payment of taxes and increase the demand for goods and services.
Cultural Enrichment
: Fig. 3.4 Ireland has become culturally enriched as a result of migration.
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As more migrants enter a country, they bring their own cultures and traditions with them. Since joining the EU in 1973, Ireland has become a multicultural society. This has had a positive impact on Irish culture. By 2014, 11.8 per cent of the Irish population was made up of foreign nationals. Foreign nationals have introduced new food, music, dance and customs, e.g. Indian and Thai food. As well as specialist food shops opening in Ireland,
ELECTIVE 5 PATTERNS AND PROCESSES IN THE HUMAN ENVIRONMENT
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