Spatial cluster analysis informing policy making in Ireland

Abstract

This research aims to provide a robust evidence base contributing to improving the quality of policy formation from local to national level in Ireland. The distributions of businesses within key economic sectors in Ireland are explored aiming to find clustering effects occurring across the country. The density mapping and hot spot analysis approaches were applied to find statistically significant clusters of companies for specific business sectors. The research was implemented in collaboration with Dublin Regional Authority to inform key policy makers in Ireland. It assists in assessments of the nationwide spatial distribution of economic activities adding to the overall body of evidence on business intensive regions.