West Region, Ireland facts for kids
The West Region (coded IE013) is a NUTS Level III statistical region of Ireland. It consists of the territory of the city of Galway and the counties of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. The West region spans 13,801 km² (20% of the total area of the state) and has a population of 380,057 (8% of the state's total).
Prior to 2014, the region was governed by the West Regional Assembly. Statutory instrument No. 573/2014 abolished that assembly. Since that date, the association between Regional Assemblies and NUTS regions has ceased. The NUTS regions are used for statistical reporting to Eurostat, while the Regional Assemblies are responsible for planning at a local government level.
The region is located on the western seaboard of Ireland with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the River Shannon delimiting the region to the east. The West Region is largely rural, with only 30% of its population living in urban areas. It is noted for its continuance of Irish traditions, such as the Irish language in the region's Gaeltacht areas.
Former Regional Authority
The West Region was administered by the West Regional Authority, which consisted of 28 elected representatives including the region's representative on the European Union Committee of the Regions. These representatives met once a month and were nominated from the four administrative councils of the region:
- Galway City Council
- Galway County Council
- Mayo County Council
- Roscommon County Council
The Regional Authorities were dissolved in 2014 and were replaced by Regional Assemblies.
Demographics
According to the 2006 census, the region had a population of 380,057, which constitutes 9.7% of the national population. Its population density was 27 persons per km². The population of the regional capital, Galway City, was 72,414.
Transport
There is an international airport in the region – Ireland West Airport Knock, and Shannon Airport is 50km south of the region – both of which are served by flights to the United Kingdom, and continental Europe. Mainline rail services operate from both Galway and Mayo to Dublin. The M6 motorway, connecting Galway to Dublin, was completed in 2009.
The Western Railway Corridor has yet to be fully reopened for passenger and goods trains.
Urban areas
A list of the largest urban areas in the West Region. County capitals are shown in bold.
| Rank | Town | County | Population (2011 census) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galway | Galway | 76,778 |
| 2 | Castlebar | Mayo | 12,318 |
| 3 | Ballina | Mayo | 11,086 |
| 4 | Tuam | Galway | 8,242 |
| 5 | Ballinasloe | Galway | 7,674 |
| 8 | Roscommon | Roscommon | 5,693 |
| 6 | Westport | Mayo | 5,543 |
| 7 | Loughrea | Galway | 5,057 |
| 9 | Oranmore | Galway | 4,799 |
| 12 | Claremorris | Mayo | 3,979 |
| 10 | Athenry | Galway | 3,950 |
| 11 | Castlerea | Roscommon | 3,055 |
| 13 | Ballyhaunis | Mayo | 3,008 |
