In line with the sea-change in the Irish economic landscape, the traditional focus of economic activity has shifted from agriculture to industry. Since the mid-1950s the country's industrial base has expanded, and now mining, manufacturing, construction, and public utilities account for approximately 34 per cent of the g Gross Domestic Product, while agriculture accounts for only about 4 per cent.
Private enterprise operates in most sectors of the economy.
The Gross Domestic Product in 2000 was 81,049 bn. Some 19 per cent of the total area of Ireland is cultivated, and much of the rest is devoted to pasture. The agricultural enterprise producing the most income is animal husbandry. In 1999, livestock included 7.1 million cattle, 5.7 million sheep, 1.8 million hogs, and 52,000 horses. Poultry production is also important.