Galway is getting older and richer . . . not quite the image most hold of the western city, but it appears to be true. And it is still the fastest-growing urban area in the State, according to the Economic Development Review for 1998 by Galway Chamber of Commerce.
It is also attracting a wealthier type of visitor, making the tourism industry worth £180 million in 1996.
Although the eastern seaboard is drawing greater numbers, the west appears still to be attracting "quality". In 1997 tourism increased its market share slightly on the previous year and remains "vitally important" for the region.
Statistics in the review reflect a very buoyant Galway economy, with an increase in employment and in industrial output.
Long-term unemployment dropped by 40 per cent in the city from October 1996 to April 1998, but house prices and the effect on the labour market need to be addressed, the chamber says.
The average new house price in the city in 1997 was £86,160, more than £8,000 less than in Dublin, but more expensive than Cork. From 1996 to 1997 there was an 18 per cent increase in the price of the average Galway dwelling.
The review says that the number of new private cars increased nationally by 107 per cent from 1993 to 1997, but in Galway the increase was 137 per cent. Not surprisingly, traffic is cited among the "disappointments" listed by tourists in a survey.
The weather, overcrowding, the state of roads, litter and poor sign-posting were also identified as irritants. However, visitors said that Galway was good value for money.
Some 17,000 of greater Galway's 60,000 residents are aged between 25 and 44, and 10,000 are between 45 and 64. There are almost 12,000 children in the city - which has no proper playground - and the high student numbers are reflected in the figure of 16,000 for the 15-to-24 age group.
Overall, the figures indicated that the average age is rising.
The Galway City and County Economic Development Review is available from Galway Chamber of Commerce at £15 for non-members. The chamber can be contacted at (091) 565356 or email info@gcci.ie