Area ::
The Banbridge District covers approximately 180 sq miles. The main
town is Banbridge, followed by Dromore, Rathfriland and Gilford.
The District also has 19 settlements.
Location ::
The Banbridge District lies within close proximity to the Belfast
Metropolitan Area and sits on the main strategic Eastern Sea Board
Corridor route from Belfast to Dublin. It is within easy reach of
Ireland's main transportation access points in terms of sea and
airports.
Population ::
The Banbridge District has approximately 43,774 inhabitants representing
2.5% of the total population of Northern Ireland. Census figures
showed a population increase of 24% between 1991 and 2001 compared
to a Northern Ireland average of 6.8% making it the fastest growing
area in the Province.
Economy ::
The Banbridge District has over 1,835 businesses and 91% of these
have fewer than 10 employees. Five businesses have more than 250
employees.
Deprivation ::
The Banbridge District was ranked 21st most deprived out of all
26 Council areas in Northern Ireland (where 1st being the most deprived)
in May 2005 according to a report by Noble et al entitled 'Northern
Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure 2005'.
Employment and Unemployment ::
Banbridge District has the lowest level of unemployment in Northern
Ireland. The highest level of employment is found in the service
sector (74%), the manufacturing sector (14%), the construction sector
(11%) and other sectors (1%).
Environment ::
Environmental awareness and management are becoming increasingly
important to the people of the Banbridge District. Between 2004
and 2005 40% of the District's annual 26,088 tonnes of domestic
waste was recycled.
Physical Infrastructure ::
The Banbridge District is well situated to access all the main external
gateways from Northern Ireland. It has 21.8 km of dual carriageway,
the largest of all 26 Council areas.
Agriculture ::
Agriculture, forestry and fishing play an important part in the
District's economy and a total of 38,814 hectares are used for farming
purposes. Its 1,146 farms account for around 4% of the total number
of farms in Northern Ireland.
Housing ::
The Banbridge District Council area has an estimated total current
housing stock of 16,694 and a housing growth indicator of 4,000
units has been allocated to the District for the period 1998 to
2015.
Tourism ::
The Banbridge District falls within the Mournes and Slieve Croob
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty classification. The District
is characterised by picturesque towns and villages and beautiful
drumlin landscape and has much to offer tourists in terms of visitor
attractions and amenities.
Education ::
The Banbridge District has a high standard of education. There are
6 post primary educational establishments delivering high quality
education to 3,984 students.
Health ::
The Banbridge District has a very vibrant and healthy community
because health promotion is a primary concern for many in this area.
Lying within the Southern Health Board area, the Craigavon and Banbridge
Health and Social Services Trust provides primary, secondary and
community care in the District.
Crime ::
A total of 2,187 offences were recorded by the Banbridge District
Command Unit between April 2004 and March 2005, a decrease of 11%
on the previous year. During the same period the District was ranked
19th out of 26 Council areas (where the 1st had the highest number
of recorded crimes per 1,000 heads of the population).
Sports ::
The Banbridge District has a vibrant sporting culture that offers
a wide range of sports facilities and activities. From the new state
of the art leisure centre to well equipped community centres, football
pitches, outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts and bowling facilities,
there is something for all sports enthusiasts.
Community Development ::
The community sector in Banbridge District has become increasingly
vibrant and diverse in recent years. There are over 250 community
and voluntary organisations working in all areas of activity.
Politics ::
Banbridge District Council has 17 seats distributed throughout the
electoral areas of Banbridge, Knockiveagh and Dromore.
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