21st Century
Formerly a strong manufacturing town, Ireland's economic success since the mid-1990s to a large extent by-passed Youghal and the infrastructural deficit is a major constraint to the town's growth. In April 2011 it was reported that all the town’s large factories had closed over the past decade, leaving at least 2,000 people jobless, and with unemployment approaching 20%, young people were leaving in search of work elsewhere and workers commuting long distances from Youghal to either Cork or Waterford to find employment, taking revenue and service jobs away from town centre shops.
The focus amongst the main voluntary, business and statutory bodies in the town has switched to promoting Youghal as a tourist destination, with emphasis on its three blue flag, sandy beaches, ancient history and natural amenities, that lend themselves towards family holidays.
Youghal was declared Cork's tidiest town in the 2011 IBAL anti-litter league (run in conjunction with the Department of the Environment) and the 7th cleanest town in Ireland.
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