It’s claimed council and government policy failures are to blame for long term income inequality and a lack of “sustainable jobs” in West Clare.
It follows the publication of new CSO findings, which have revealed that Kilrush has the third-lowest household income of any town in the country.
The Central Statistics Office has found that based on data from Census 2022, the average household income in Kilrush now stands at €31,948.
It also found, however, that almost one-fifth of residents in the town are making less than €20,000 per year.
For the West Clare Family Resource Centre, none of this comes as a surprise and the organisation is now calling for an investment masterplan for the region.
Co-Ordinator Mary O’Donoghue claims government policy has focused on securing growth in Shannon and Limerick at West Clare’s detriment.
She says an overemphasis on tourism and lack of spending on infrastructure in the west of the county has created a culture of low paid seasonal work and not sustainable jobs.
On the other hand, Sixmilebridge, which is one of the fastest growing populations in Clare, recorded the highest average net household income countywide at over €56,600 per year.
However the Mayor of Clare insists there has been a reduced quality of life in the area, due to factors such as local pubs closing and significant infrastructure challenges such as sewerage deficits remain.
Kilmurry Fianna Fáil Councillor Alan O’Callaghan believes a countywide approach is needed.
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