Disposable incomes still below recession level

 

Workers in the Border region still have as little disposable income as they did during the recession.

According to the latest CSO figures, Cavan had the lowest disposable income of all counties in 2017 at €15,546. The average disposable income in the State is €20,869.

For areas outside of Cavan, Monaghan, Leitrim, Sligo and Donegal however, disposable incomes are back to the almost peak levels hit in 2008.

Disposable income for those living in the Dublin area, despite added costs, is now almost 40% higher than those living in the Border region.

“The gap between the maximum and minimum value of per capita disposable income, on a regional basis, decreased from €6,958 in 2016 to €6,813 in 2017, due to Dublin regional incomes only increasing by €860 while those of the lowest region, Border, increasing by €1,004,” the CSO said.

The CSO gauged differences between income defined as primary income plus social transfers. Disposable household income is then the household's income less taxes.

The figures follow a report showing Irish households shoulder one of the lowest tax burdens in the EU.