Census shows Donegal’s unemployement rate well above average

More socio-economic results have been released by the Central Statistics Office from Census 2011.
In April last year, there were 72,146 people in the labour force in County Donegal, an increase of 7,054, or 11%, since April 2006.
However, the labour force participation rate in the county is considerably lower than the national average.
In April last year, there were 72,146 people in the labour force in County Donegal, an increase of 7,054, or 11%, since April 2006.
However, the labour force participation rate in the county is considerably lower than the national average, 58% in Donegal compared to 69% for the State overall. The male participation rate was 66%,  while the female participation rate was 50%.
There were 18,869 people unemployed in County Donegal in April 2011 based on the census, an overall  unemployment rate for the county of 26%, compared to an unemployment rate of 19% for the State overall.
Census 2011 saw a strong increase in the number of students aged 15 years and over since 2006 – increasing by almost 17% for the State overall. The number of students in Donegal increased by 18.1% to 13,137.
Other highlights saw Broadband use in private households in County Donegal increase from 10% in 2006 to 57% in 2011. with availability in 62% of urban households compared with 55% in rural areas.