Petrol stations are the businesses and service that is most in-demand in Leitrim.
'This research shows there are still real opportunities for entrepreneurs to fill local gaps, but it also highlights how important it is to run a business efficiently, especially in crowded sectors.'
Petrol stations are the businesses and service that is most in-demand in Leitrim it was revealed by a new study which identified which local businesses and services are most in demand across Ireland, and where there may be gaps that new businesses can fill.
The research, from business utility consultants Procure.ie, analysed search interest for 25 common local businesses alongside the number of suppliers currently listed in each county, highlighting which industries have more demand than supply.
Procure.ie analysed average monthly search data for 25 common business and service categories in each Irish county, combined with local listing data from Goldenpages.ie and supply vs demand was calculated by comparing local search volume with the number of active providers.
The findings show that restaurants top the list nationally, with strong consumer demand but low supply in comparison to searches and pet shops, bakeries, and pizza services also rank highly, suggesting that practical, everyday services are where local gaps still exist.
Meanwhile, beauty salons and builders remain some of the most popular businesses, but with so many providers already in the market, new entrants will face tougher competition and higher costs to stand out.
At a county level, the study highlights some unexpected local opportunities
Carlow, for example, shows strong search demand for petrol stations but relatively few options, pointing to possible gaps for essential services.
Clare reveals a similar trend, while larger counties like Cork show steady demand for hospitality and retail, although competition can vary street by street.
Keith Donohoe at Procure.ie said: “Right now, every euro counts for local businesses, so knowing where there’s genuine demand is vital for anyone planning to open or expand.
“This research shows there are still real opportunities for entrepreneurs to fill local gaps, but it also highlights how important it is to run a business efficiently, especially in crowded sectors.”