Grow
Key Statistics
The following statistics from the Central Statistics Office underscore Monaghan’s upward trajectory in population growth, employment rates, and human capital development, offering a compelling narrative for local prosperity and investor interest.
Workforce Breakdown By Sector
Strong Population and Workforce Expansion
Between April 2016 and April 2022, Monaghan saw its population grow by 6%—an increase of 3,902 residents, bringing the total to 65,288. Employment trends also demonstrate regional economic vibrancy, with the number of people at work climbed by 12%, with early 28,600 individuals employed in 2022.
Declining Unemployment and Rising Workforce Participation
Monaghan’s unemployment rate dropped significantly from 13% in 2016 to 8% in 2022, equating to a 34% reduction in the number of unemployed individuals. Meanwhile, labour force participation stood steady at 61%, matching the national average, with 68% of males and 55% of females actively engaged in the workforce.
61%
Growing Education Levels and Skill Base
Educational attainment is on the rise in Monaghan, with the number of residents holding third-level qualifications increasing from approximately 12,400 in 2016 to nearly 15,400 in 2022. This reflects a growing skills pool that can support emerging and future industries in the region.
Apprenticeship & Trades Attainment %
Third Level Education Attainment %
Foreign Language Speakers %
Development Opportunities
Capital Investment and Infrastructure Development
Monaghan County Council is committing a significant €454 million to its Capital Programme for 2025–2027. This investment will support a diverse range of impactful projects, delivered in collaboration with a wide network of partners and funding bodies. The table below outlines key investment highlights.
- Infrastructure & Business Parks
- Regeneration & Heritage
- Circular & Green Economy
- Culture & Tourism Development
Investment Highlights
| €454M Capital Programme (2025–2027). |
| €71M for transport and active travel: roads, Ulster Canal Greenway expansion. |
| Annahagh Campus-Style Business Park: Serviced industrial plots suited to logistics, engineering, manufacturing. |
| €57M+ across 42 projects across Monaghan towns (Monaghan, Castleblayney, Carrickmacross, Ballybay, Newbliss, etc.). |
Investment Highlights
THRIVE Heritage Fund: €199K EU funding for town plan via citizen engagement. |
€2.7M Rural Regeneration Project: Newbliss Courthouse → Digital & Enterprise Hub. |
€1.5M Urban Regeneration & Development Fund (URDF) allocation: 22 derelict buildings restored for residential/commercial use. |
Agri-waste valorisation: 200,000+ tonnes of poultry waste yearly, potential for anaerobic digestion, composting, fertiliser production. |
Investment Highlights
PoliRuralPlus workshops: Circular business models for agriculture, construction, and industrial by-products. |
Monaghan Sustainable Energy Community (SEC): Energy retrofitting & efficiency initiatives supported by Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland SEAI. |
Investment Highlights
Creative arts and heritage revitalisation supported by the URDF and THRIVE schemes. |
Canal restoration & Greenways: Ulster Canal and walking trails for eco-tourism. |
Strong placemaking potential: Town centre rejuvenation, cultural venues, and adaptive reuse of historic buildings. |
Support Available
Monaghan County Council provides guidance on accessing national funding, site development support, and infrastructure investment to attract inward investment. In addition, the Council actively collaborates with IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland to support larger-scale investment projects, offering tailored assistance to investors seeking to establish or grow their operations in the region.
