Primary Economic Activities

Primary Economic Activities

Agriculture is the main primary economic activity in the Dublin Region. It is impacted by both physical and human factors

Physical Factors Impacting Agriculture

• Farming in the Greater Dublin Area is highly mechanised and intensive – the lowland nature of the region aids this. The area produces 11% of the national barley crop and 15% of the national potato crop.
• The region experiences more sunshine and less rainfall than the West, reducing the risk of potato blight or other crop failures.
• High yields of tillage crops such as wheat and barley are achieved due to the deep, fertile brown earth soils. Two types of barley are grown: malting barley for brewing/distilling industries and normal barley for animal feed.
• The soil in Kildare is ideal for the throughbred industry. There is a rich history of horse breeding and training here. This has aided the growth of racecourses such as the Curragh.

Human Factors Impacting Agriculture

• The Greater Dublin Area has a wealthy, urban market of 1.3 million people, requiring high farming output to meet daily needs.
• Little outward migration means the age profile of farmers is lower than in the Western Region. These younger farmers are market-orientated and adopt new methods, machinery, and produce.
• More farmers are attending agricultural colleges, e.g., Kildalton, reflecting an increasing focus on education and modern farming techniques.
• North Co. Dublin has specialised in market gardening (horticulture), with over half of all Irish greenhouses located in this area, catering to local market demands.