The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Clare over the Christmas period has seen a significant decline in the past two years.
New data shows just below 4,000 people were claiming social welfare in this county in December.
At the end of December, there were 3,941 people claiming some form of unemployment benefit in Clare, which was 270 more than the previous month.
When compared to recent years, however, the trends are much more positive, with a significant reduction in numbers on the Live Register.
In December of 2023, there were 4,752 people claiming social welfare in Clare, meaning this county has a seen a 17% reduction at its dole queues over the last two Christmases.
Ennis once again saw the lion’s share of presentations, with 2,051 claiming in the town, Ennistymon had 731 presentations, 692 people claimed in Kilrush, while 467 people claimed in East Clare at the Tulla Office.
There were also 455 under the age of 25 claiming unemployment benefit in Clare in December; the third-highest amount in 2025.
