Ireland's Demographic Imbalance: New City Proposed for Northwest, Not Athlone

Ireland faces severe demographic imbalance, with over half its population concentrated in Leinster, particularly Dublin, leading to significant strain on infrastructure. The eastern and midlands region is projected to grow by another 500,000 people by 2040, exacerbating the issue.

Eight years ago, the €116 billion Project Ireland 2040 National Development Plan acknowledged this. Around the same time, developer Seán Mulryan proposed a €5 billion private and public plan to transform Athlone into Ireland’s sixth, environmentally friendly city. His vision includes 20,000 zero-carbon homes, driverless electric buses, 100km of pedestrian and cycle paths, 5,000 hectares of rewilded wetlands, and an expanded Technological University of the Shannon with 25,000 students.

However, the article argues Athlone is the wrong location. Instead, it suggests a new city in the northwestern corner, specifically Sligo, to address the country's lopsided development and prepare for a reunified Ireland. Simon Harris recently announced Fine Gael's plan for Irish reunification, due by November, which should consider geographical implications.

Donegal, Ireland's fourth-biggest county, and the broader northern and western region, have been historically neglected, lacking railway services and investment due to the Troubles. This region currently houses nearly one million people, compared to 2.7 million in the eastern and midlands. Sligo, with a population over 20,000, a technological university, hospital, seaport, and strong cross-border links, is presented as the ideal site. Its development would leverage latent capacity and enhance its regional role, especially in a borderless Ireland where Dublin would be geographically closer to Northern Irish cities, further isolating the northwest.