Emigration at a rate of 4 people per day since 2006

Across the North West the rate of emigration was even greater with on average six people per day leaving between 2006 and 2011.

Figures obtained by the Sentinel show 7,822 people emigrated from Londonderry to Great Britain or further afield over the five years. In Limavady 1,846 left and Strabane lost 1,905 people to emigration.

The figures refer to out-migration to Great Britain and all other countries and show that 16 to 39-year-olds made up the largest group of emigrants by far.

They were followed by children aged under 15 and people aged between 40 and 64. In all, an incredible 11,573 people left Londonderry, Limavady and Strabane combined.

A breakdown shows that in 2006/7, 1,503 people left Londonderry; 507 left Limavady; and 407 left Strabane - a loss of 2,427. In 2007/8, 1,551 people left Londonderry; 393 left Limavady; and 328 left Strabane (2,272 in total). In 2008/9, 1,422 people left Londonderry; 308 left Limavady; and 370 left Strabane (2,100 in total).

In 2009/10, 1,634 people left Londonderry; 354 left Limavady; and 364 left Strabane (2,352 in total). And in 2010/11, 1,712 people left Londonderry; 284 left Limavady; and 426 left Strabane (2,422 in total).