Longford had the highest level of arrears, with nearly 20% of households in the county defaulting on loans. Following that was Meath at 17% of households, Louth at 16.5% of households and Laois at 16% of households.

The county with the lowest level of mortgage arrears, Cork, had half the number of the highest county, with 10% of households defaulting. Cork was followed by Tipperary and Mayo, both which had 11% of households default.

These statistics come from the Central Bank’s loan level data, which provides information on a wide range of loan characteristics at Allied Irish Banks, Bank of Ireland and Permanent TSB.

County incomes lowest in the border and midland regions

The most recent survey carried out by the Central Statistics Office to assess county incomes and regional GDP found both of these were lowest in border and midland regions, the areas where mortgage arrears were last year found to be highest. In border areas, where Meath, Louth and Longford are located, disposable income per person was €16,984. In the midlands, where Laois is located, this income was €17,428.

This is in contrast to the south where Cork is located where disposable income per person was €18,929, an increase of €1,945 on border regional income.