More about Antrim

The Province’s economic engines of growth have long been associated with the Historic Borough of Antrim. Its industrial history is based around a large and prosperous textile and agricultural base, whilst today’s economic drivers revolve around construction, distribution, transport and hospitality. The area’s principal strength literally revolves around a superbly developed transport infrastructure that provides easy access to all the main external gateways for Northern Ireland, as well as easy access to all parts of the Province. Antrim town lies on two of the main transport corridors, the Belfast – Derry corridor and the Southern corridor.

Belfast International Airport is located within the Borough, only 4 miles from the historic town of Antrim. The importance and benefit of the Borough’s central geographical location is emphasised by the strong interest shown by potential investors. Due to its location, businesses are able to access skilled labour from both inside and outside the Borough. Originally a rural community, new industry, with associated expansion and development, has made the Borough much more urban with the town of Antrim now the main populated centre. The Borough has a strong and diverse industrial base, employment levels are among the best in the Province and the infrastructure already in place will complement economic development throughout the 21st century.

According to the 2001 Census the population of Antrim Borough was 48,366. Over half of the Borough’s population live in the town of Antrim. The Borough has a youthful face with one in three of the population (31.6%) within the 25-44 age group. Antrim has a high proportion of its population economically active (68.04%) which is higher than the NI average. Both male and female economic activity is in line with the NI average. According to the D.E.T.I. research department there are 1,610 VAT registered enterprises with the Borough of Antrim.

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