Deprivation highest in border counties

The six border counties have some of the country’s highest rates of empty homes, medical card holders, pensioners, and voter apathy, and fewer jobs than anywhere else.

New census data has highlighted some of the regional splits in lifestyles across Ireland, with some of the most significant differences affecting the half a million people living in Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan, and Sligo.

Many differences identified in the report are expected, such as low pupil class numbers in western counties, and the highest employment rates, house prices, and people with the most disposable income in Dublin.