New regional data reveals Mayo’s growth continues despite pressures

A new data initiative offering insights into regional development has highlighted both growth and emerging challenges in Mayo.

The Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) has launched its “County Data Dashboards”, a new tool designed to provide up-to-date statistics for eight counties across the region, including Mayo, Galway and Donegal.

The dashboards aim to address a long-standing reliance on outdated Census data by offering more current information on population, economic activity, housing, transport and climate trends, with much of the data drawn from 2025 and 2026.

For Mayo, the figures show continued growth in several key areas. 

The county’s population reached 151,800 in 2025, marking a 2 percent increase on the previous year. Economic activity also rose, with domestic card spending hitting €1.2 billion, up 6.4 percent, while tax receipts increased by 8.8 percent to €306 million.

Employment in the county stands at just over 58,000 people, although there was a noted 9.2 percent rise in young people on the Live Register, pointing to ongoing challenges for younger workers.

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Housing trends present a mixed picture. While the median house price in Mayo fell by 13.4 percent to €210,000, new housing completions dropped by 12.6 percent, highlighting supply concerns.

The data also reflects progress in sustainability, with 1,108 homes installing solar panels in 2025, a rise of over 36 percent, and electric vehicles accounting for 14.3 percent of new car registrations.

However, increased traffic congestion was recorded across parts of the county, particularly along the N60 between Balla and Claremorris.

The dashboard also confirmed the continued importance of Ireland West Airport Knock, which handled approximately 923,000 passengers in the 12 months to September 2025.

According to NWRA Acting Director Conall McGettigan, the new dashboards represent an important step in regional planning.

“The Assembly has built a solid track record in analysis and will continue to use this data to advocate on behalf of the Northern and Western counties,” he said.

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Acting Assistant Director Tanya Whyte added that the initiative marks a shift toward evidence-based planning.

“This project is more than a collection of figures; it empowers us to create actionable strategies and will be vital in shaping the new Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy,” she said.

The dashboards are also expected to play a key role in informing submissions to the upcoming Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES), which will guide development across the region over the next 20 years.

The NWRA said the tool will help local authorities, businesses and communities better understand trends, identify opportunities and plan for future growth.

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