County Carlow has the highest social benefits per person in Ireland

New CSO data has revealed that County Carlow was the largest recipient of social benefits per person in 2023, with figures showing that disposable income in the county was just above the State average.

Carlow’s disposable income after social benefits for 2023 was €28,776, while the average in the State was €28,370.

The statistics show County Carlow had the highest social benefits per person at €8,267, followed by Donegal (€8,184 per person) and Tipperary (€8,086).

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Longford had the lowest disposable income per person in the country at €22,251 – 22% below the national average, and Dublin had the highest at €32,393. Dublin was followed by Cork at €29,876 per person and Limerick at €29,491.

Dublin’s disposable income per person was 14% higher than the national average, increasing by 1.3% from 2022.

Commenting on the figures, financial expert James Dorrian of the National Pension Helpline explained that social benefits and other transfers are those made to households by the State, intended to relieve households of financial risks or burdens.

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"Meanwhile, disposable income is defined by the CSO as primary income plus social benefits and other transfers, minus taxes on income and social insurance contributions," said Mr Dorrian.

“After salaries, social benefits make up the largest component of disposable income, and Co. Carlow being the largest recipient of these benefits per person takes the county above the national average in terms of overall disposable income.”

“The figures also show that 75% of Carlow employees' compensation comes from domestic enterprises, much higher than the 60% recorded in Dublin.”