New figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) confirm that Dublin and Cork continue to lead Ireland in disposable income, with both counties surpassing the national average in 2023.
Disposable income, the amount of money individuals have left after paying taxes and social charges while accounting for social benefits, remains highest in Dublin at €32,393 per person. Cork followed closely with €29,876, while Limerick ranked third at €29,491.
Dublin’s figure is 14% higher than the national average of €28,370, reflecting a 1.3% increase from 2022.
Which Counties Have the Highest and Lowest Disposable Income?
Just six counties recorded higher-than-average disposable income, including:
- Dublin: €32,393
- Cork: €29,876
- Limerick: €29,491
- Carlow
- Tipperary
- Galway
At the other end of the spectrum, Longford had the lowest disposable income per person at €22,251, which is 22% below the national average. Laois and Donegal also ranked among the lowest, at €22,257 and €23,271, respectively.
Why Do Dublin and Cork Lead in Disposable Income?
The CSO attributes the economic dominance of Dublin and Cork to key economic sectors that generate wealth and employment. Dublin benefits from a strong Information & Communication sector, while Cork thrives in Manufacturing.
In contrast, border counties such as Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, and Sligo, along with Midlands counties, consistently report lower disposable income. These areas are largely dependent on the Public Administration sector, which offers fewer high-income opportunities compared to the economic hubs of Dublin and Cork.
Employment and GDP Distribution Across Ireland
The latest figures also highlight the regional distribution of employment and GDP:
- Dublin accounted for 35% of all employment in Ireland.
- Cork followed with 12%, while Galway and Limerick accounted for 6% and 5%, respectively.
- Dublin recorded the highest GDP in 2023 at €248.3bn, with Cork and Kerry contributing €123.3bn as the second most economically productive region.
Which Counties Receive the Most Social Benefits?
The highest per capita recipients of social benefits in Ireland were:
- Carlow: €8,267 per person
- Donegal: €8,184 per person
- Tipperary: €8,086 per person
These figures indicate that regions with lower disposable income often receive higher social benefits, reflecting disparities in economic opportunities across the country.
As Ireland’s economy continues to grow, disparities between urban economic hubs and rural counties remain a challenge. Dublin and Cork dominate in terms of income and employment, but other regions still struggle to catch up with the national average.
