Midland Region, Ireland

The Midland Region was administered by the Midland Regional Authority, which consisted of 24 elected representatives including the region's representative on the EU Committee of the Regions. These representatives met once a month and were nominated from the four local government councils of the region: • Laois County Council • Longford County Council • Offaly County Council • Westmeath County Council The Regional Authorities were dissolved in 2014 and were replaced by Regional Assemblies. ==Demography==

According to the 2022 census, the region had a population of 317,999, which constitutes 6.17% of the national population. Its population density was 47.8 persons per km2. The region has a growing dependency ratio which is stated as having implications on health care, the types of housing needed as well as care for the elderly. ==Economy==

The most significant industry in the Midland Region is the peat industry, as well as wood processing. Its wood processing industry now accounts for over one-third of the total processed timber produced in Ireland. Other strong industries include medicine, healthcare, engineering and chemical. It also has some very successful food and drink producers. The workforce of the region in 2015 was 114,000, which equated to an 87.6% employment rate. In 2017 the largest employment sectors in the Midland Region were: • Wholesale & retail trade 16% • Manufacturing industries 12% • Health & social work 11% • Education 9% • Public administration & defence 8% • Agriculture 8% ==Major settlements==

A list of the ten largest settlements in the Midland Region. County capitals are included and are shown in bold. ==References==