Region: Galway
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History
Galway was founded in the 13th century by the Anglo-Norman de Burgos as a medieval settlement on the eastern bank of the River Corrin. From 1270 onwards, it became a walled and fortified city state ruled by fourteen powerful merchant families, later known as the ""Tribes of Galway"". Through their trading skills, they succeeded in making Galway the third most important port in these islands. The city however fell into decline in the aftermath of two disastrous sieges, falling to Cromwellian might in 1652 and Williamite power in 1691. A brief industrial recovery based on water-powered industries in the 19th century was not sustained and Galway only regained its importance with the establishment of modern industrial estates and a huge growth in its tourist industry.
Geography
Galway is situated on Ireland's western seaboard along the Atlantic Ocean and is bordered by the scenic Lough Corrib to the North and Galway Bay to the South.
Population
Galway has about 159,000 inhabitants, making it the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland.
Economy
Economic Development
The development priorities of the region are shaped by its peripheral, largely declining rural, location with a small relatively new industrial sector as a result of a few large scale inward investments. Traditional, non-agricultural economic activity, is based around small family owned SMEs in the craft, textile and tourism sectors. SMEs based on natural resources have experienced strong growth in recent years.
Strategy
Because of its similarities in geography, situation, economic factors and public sector structures, Galway’s efforts to stimulate the Information Society are based upon adoption of the IONA strategy developed by the Northwest Ireland Crossborder region. To date, IONA is the only area-based information Society strategy in existence in the island of Ireland, north or South. This is in line with one of IONA’s objectives, i.e., to act as a pilot for the island of Ireland.
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