Regional Overview

The South West of Ireland is a region of wide diversity and differing issues that arise for its people in terms of social, cultural, economic, physical and policy development.

The region, with an area of 12,161 sq. kilometres, comprising Cork City, County Cork and County Kerry, has a varied topography, environment and culture; and its 621,130 inhabitants live across a range of diverse areas - ranging from modern urban settings to small rural towns, isolated farms in mountain areas, islands and peripheral, small villages.

The region is an attractive area in which to live and work. We have a highly developed, modern, high-technology-based economy, supported by a high-quality environment, where its people and visitors enjoy beautiful landscapes and a unique depth of cultural heritage.

The past decade has witnessed sustained investment in new roads, sanitary services, telecommunications and related infrastructures; and government-led investment programmes continue to prioritise investment in supporting health and educational facilities.