Chapter 4: Key points from the Socio-economic Analysis
Poverty, Social Inclusion and Equality gg
Sligo is not characterised by particular extremes either with regard to affluence or deprivation. Like any other part of the country, Sligo has been affected massively by the economic downturn after 2007, although Sligo’s position has marginally improved from being the thirteenth most affluent to the twelfth most affluent local authority area in Ireland. (Source: The Pobal HP Deprivation Index, 2013)
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The Pobal HP Deprivation Index identifies four areas in Sligo as ‘very disadvantaged’, with 31 ‘disadvantaged’ areas (see map Appendix A). The LECP aims to ensure resources are targeted to address disadvantage in these areas.
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There are also a number of key groups who are particularly vulnerable to poverty and exclusion in County Sligo. These include the unemployed, lone parents, new communities, Travellers, older people and people with disabilities. Interventions to address social inclusion must be targeted strategically to maximise their impact on those most in need of supports. The lone parent ratio in Sligo has doubled over the past 20 years although it is still marginally below the national average (20% compared to 21%). There are marked differences between urban and rural areas with significantly higher concentrations of lone parents in urban areas.
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Sligo has a diverse community with several minority ethnic groups. In 2011 there were 8,339 people (13% of the population) in Sligo from minority ethnic backgrounds with 67 different languages spoken. Non-Irish nationals accounted for 9.9% of the population of Sligo compared with a national average figure of 12%. UK nationals (2,150 persons) were the largest group, followed by Polish (1,562 persons).
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There are 56,038 Roman Catholics in County Sligo, representing 88% of the total population, together with a number of miniority religions. Five per cent or 3,123 people state they have no religion, which represents a significant increase since 1991.
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The 2013 Traveller Census shows a population of 517 Travellers in Sligo (417 in CSO 2011). The population trend varies between male and female members of the Traveller Community until the age 40+, after which the population for both sexes decreases significantly, in contrast to figures for the total community.
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Sligo has a higher portion of people with disabilities than the national average and a higher percentage of unpaid carers.
County Sligo Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) 2016-2021