County Laois

Economy

Agriculture is the largest sector of the economy, with 70 % of the area (1,200 km²), farmed every year. The county is home to over 230,000 cattle, that is four cows for every person.

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The county has a small industrial base, with industrial parks at Portlaoise and Mountmellick. Over 1500 people work in the industrial sector in County Laois.

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However, unemployment is higher than other Irish counties in County Laois and annual income is lower than the national average, at about 88% of the average. The county makes up part of the Border Midlands and West region for the purposes of EU funding.

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