URBAN GEOGRAPHY

2004 Q1 (a) 16 marks

A. Examine the table of Ireland’s Fastest Growing Urban Centres (excluding Dublin). Figure show % change in population between 1981 and 1996. (i) Put in rank order the four fastest growing urban centres. (4) 1; Celbridge 2; Maynooth 3; Ashbourne 4; Swords

(ii) With reference to one Irish urban centre you have studied explain the factors which lead to its development. In your answer refer to:

➢ Economic factors

➢ Social factors

➢ Administrative factors (12)

Economic factors

Dublin is a nodal point within Ireland’s transport networks. Ireland’s motorways converge on Dublin. Dublin Airport and Dublin Port link the city to the European Single Market and the wider world. These excellent transport facilities reduce transport costs and make Dublin an attractive destination for investment.

Social factors

Dublin has grown as a result of rural to urban migration from the west of Ireland. It has a wide range of entertainment and leisure facilities. Young people often find that they can enjoy a more interesting social life in Dublin City than they can in a rural area that is suffering from rural depopulation. Dublin received large numbers of immigrants from Poland, Lithuania and Latvia after these countries become EU member states in 2004.