Music sales decline 20% in 2003

The value of music sales in the Republic declined 20% in 2003 as consumers opted for the internet over high street stores.

The Irish Recording Music Association (IRMA) said provisional figures for 2003 show that Irish consumers spent €108.5m on CDs, records and cassettes, a sharp slump from sales of €135.9m reported in 2002.

The industry believes that sales of CD's on the internet, greater price competition and illegal copying of CDs are the main factors haemorrhaging sales.

IRMA is to step up a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers posed by downloading music illegally using the internet later this month.

The association is planning to write to companies and universities warning them that if they allow staff to download music illegally, they will be prosecuted.