ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the counterurbanisation concept and summarizes the counterurbanisation in a European context. It examines spatial trends in residential development in the Dublin city-region to consider the extent that residential growth has been occurring in the rural hinterland of Dublin City. The chapter outlines the National Spatial Strategy that development driven by urban areas should take place within built up areas or land identified in the development plan process and that rural-generated housing needs should be accommodated in the areas where they arise. A comprehensive spatial analysis of the demographic changes in the city-region, population levels from the 2002 Census were analysed and read into Geographical Information System maps. Urban-rural migration appears to follow the pattern of road and rail transport, which suggests a rural living preference but with the benefits of proximity to urban areas. Housing activity relates to the rate of increase in house prices according to type of dwelling.
