Survey shows Carlow loves service stations
Buying petrol puts a smile on our faces, apparently
SERVICE stations are the most in-demand businesses in Carlow, new data shows. And the survey shows demand is outstripping supply, suggesting there is space for new operators to launch or expand in this area.
The research carried out by business utility consultants procure.ie analysed interest for 25 common local services alongside the number of suppliers currently listed in each county, showing where demand outstrips supply. The findings show that service/petrol stations are the most sought-after local business type in Carlow, with strong search interest but relatively few providers.
While practical, everyday services such as locksmiths, pet shops and bakeries rank highly nationwide, each county has its own unique local needs.
The business utility group analysed average monthly search data for 25 common business and service categories in each Irish county, combined with local listing data from goldenpages.ie.
Supply versus demand was calculated by comparing local search volume with the number of active providers. They analysed the following businesses ‒ bakeries, beauty salons, builders, butchers, carpenters, carpet cleaners, dentists, dog groomers, electricians, florists, GP, grocery store, hairdressers, hotels, locksmiths, pet shops, petrol stations, pharmacy, pizza, plumbers, pubs, restaurants, solicitors, taxis and vets.
Services like pizzerias, restaurants, service stations and supermarkets also feature, suggesting that while these are everyday essentials, there are still parts of Ireland where choice is limited and new players can compete.
The top ten industries to start a business in Ireland are bakeries, hotels, locksmiths, pet shops, service/petrol stations, pharmacies, pizzerias, pubs, restaurants and supermarkets.
Meanwhile, restaurants and pubs remain some of the most popular businesses in the country, but with so many providers already operating, new entrants will need to compete harder on cost, quality and service to stand out.
Keith Donohoe of procure.ie explained: “Every euro counts for local businesses right now and understanding where there’s real demand makes a huge difference for anyone planning to open or expand. This research highlights clear gaps for new or growing businesses to step in and meet local needs, but it also shows why it’s so important to keep costs under control, from securing the best business energy rates to running operations more efficiently.”
Looking closer at the county level data reveals some surprising gaps in other counties, too. Clare shows a similar pattern to Carlow, hinting at regional gaps for critical businesses outside the big cities. In larger counties like Cork, demand stays steady for hospitality and retail, but competition can vary street by street.
The utility consultancy highlighted that, for new businesses, these gaps are more than just interesting numbers; they’re real opportunities to fill unmet needs in local communities.
“For existing businesses looking to expand, this kind of insight helps reduce risk: you know where to open next, what services to add and how to plan your energy and supply needs from day one,” it added.
