Covid infection rates were 50% higher in poorest areas of country

The authors recommended the findings be taken into account when considering the effects of the disease. File picture

Covid infection rates were more than 50% higher in the poorest areas of Ireland compared to more affluent areas, research by the ESRI and Pobal has found.

The joint-report also found areas in border counties near the North had higher infection rates than in non-deprived areas.