Dublin--Primary Economic Activities.

Agriculture

Highly productive and commercial. Even though highly urbanised-still important activity. 1500 farms, a little over 1% of national total Average farm incomes 40% higher than national average.                                                                      Lowland nature of region-mechanised and intensive. 11% of national wheat crop & 15% of national potato crop. Less rainfall + more sunshine = less risk of blight. Deep fertile soils; high yields of tillage crops like wheat and barley. Large and wealthy urban market nearby. Close proximity to city => low transport costs. Age profile of farmers is lower-no outward migration or brain drain. Market-orientated and scientific approach.

Agriculture cont.

Specialised in market gardening like Lusk and Rush. More than half of Irish greenhouses are located in North Dublin. Under threat from urban sprawl-land used for industrial or residential use. Farming is intensive and profitable as possible in order to compete.

Forestry

Not a dominant activity. Only active in upland Dublin Mountains, where not suitable for cultivation.

Fishing

Howth-main fishing port in Dublin region. Third largest port in Ireland. 2008; fish landings in Howth had a value of 8.5 mil. Skerries; 2.3  mil. Dublin Bay prawns make up 40% of total shellfish exported from Ireland.