Global Warming VS. Economy

Little do people know in our country the affects of global warming, because it does not quite hit close to home. For Ireland though, the climate change actually effects there economy and the way of life. Ireland is one of the leading fighters in global warming and it has turned out to be big business on the island country. The country plans to cuts its emissions by 40% by 2020 and to do this they have brought in the leading companies all around the world to plan and construct mechanisms to reduce waste. The government along with others part of the European Unions have stepped up research and new ways to counter act global warming. Ireland with other countries, "Since 2002 the EU has provided grant-aid to the tune of €38m to help fund recycling and waste recovery facilities" (eumatter.ie). The governments puts its hand in "Projects that have been grant-aided include bring-banks, civic amenity sites, composting facilities and material recovery facilities" (eumatter.ie). This has brought jobs to the country and actually helped import jobs from other countries residence to Ireland to work.

This is not all good news for Ireland, because whatever is done to to make Ireland, it has an opposite reaction on industries that first powered the country. Ireland has completely cut out leaded petrol, add more cost to fuel to the public and not allowing the public a choice for cheap fuel, but having a standard how to lifestyles. This also slows down the production of petroleum products and add expense to the industry, which then effects the pockets of the people of Ireland. Also like many states in the United states, Ireland as a whole has strict emissions testing and bans cars that causes a excess amount of pollutants.

Though the fight again global warming for Ireland actually prevents losing much of the countries beauty and keeps the the mass in Northern Island in order for the time being. It is cost the population larger taxes and a living standard many cannot always afford.

Ireland's Black Market

Like many countries,some issues can not be controlled by the government but do affect the nations economy. Ireland is no different in this case with issues of their own with an Irish black market. Ireland from the outsiders point of view can easily give the ignorant statement that alcohol counterfeiting and smuggling would be the biggest issue, but actually illegal prostitution is taking its toll on the country. Recorded last year, "According to the United Ireland Party, over 1,000 men in Ireland pay for sex in the country every day" (Gae, RTE news). This has affected many of the cities like Dublin and with such dealings come other issues like drugs. The drug market is actually the most profitable illegal trade in the country, Based on the following estimates, the illegal drugs market in Ireland is worth 628 Million Euros ($927 Million)" (Burke, Sunday Post). This includes such drugs as Heroin, Marijuana, Cocaine, and Ecstasy.

Though these to major issues do come hand and hand with each other; the largest issue in Ireland isn't an illegal product, but the smuggling of it. Cigarette counterfeiting and smuggling have seized the legal market profitability in Ireland, detouring a government tax that would help fuel the economy. Sharing this issue with there neighboring country, "Custom Officials in the United Kingdom and Ireland state that one in three cigarettes smoked in each country was smuggled into the country (Ass. Press)." Ireland's law enforcement have actually have dedicated more time to stop this illegal trade more than anything else, which has actually stalled enforcement on the other issues like drugs and Prostitution. Every country has its own problem and Ireland proves no different to this with there own black market.

Tourism Industry

One of the most important ways for a country to bring in revenue is a thriving tourism industry. Ireland is no exception to this, because of it being one of the major ways many business stay afloat with the economy today and bring in big bucks during seasonally every year. In recent years Ireland has seen a downward trend in the tourism industry mostly do to the cost of living in today's world but not too long ago, with "Irish tourism industry welcomed a record 7.8 million visitors in 2007; Numbers were boosted by visits from relatives of large migrant worker population from Eastern Europe" (finfacts.com). Though this industry is enhanced by migrants workers families, this shows clear fact that Ireland is still a growing industry for jobs and could enhance the population because of tourists who once come to visit may come to stay. This revenue from tourism though has an average of over six billion Euro a year increase every year, bringing in cash flow to the small business sectors as well as major corporations.

The capital for of tourism though is still reliant on Dublin, Ireland and northern Ireland itself. The rest of the country still remains questionable for appeal by tourists outside the country.
Ireland has evolved itself from more than just historical sights like the Blarney castle and natural wonders around the large island, but it has set its a claim for older generations and must now appeal to a age. Ireland though staggering for new ways of outside income due to economic downfalls, they still foresee a rise in visitors to the beautiful lands that drive much of the economy.

Dublin

Originally established as a viking settlement in 988 A.D., Dublin is the nations capitol of Ireland. Dublin after many years of economic failure, in the early 1990's finally started to develop itself into a high tech oriented city. With much of Dublin being split into sectors in the medical field, information technology, and a large financial service. It has become prime location for many companies like Intel and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Currently though, the city is under revitalization to modernize the rest of the city to compliment the business sectors and attract other large companies to the nation's capitol.

Dublin also holds 40% of Ireland's population, giving companies a limitless work force. The country itself does target its people the best it can as well, "Ireland’s recent economic strategy has focused on creating an attractive and fiscal financial environment to complement the English speaking, young and well-educated population that has facilitated a major economic boom, which has been labelled the “Celtic Tiger”"(fmg.uva). Even with the economic issues the the world today, Ireland still does show progression in its capitol and Dublin does show the signs of in sourcing more foreign companies since they will have the backing of a strong work force.