Louth reported the highest unemployment rate, with 496 people per 10,000 signing on, followed by Donegal (464) and Leitrim (438).
Kildare has recorded the fourth-lowest unemployment rate per capita in Ireland, according to new analysis by the National Pension Helpline.
The county had 259 people on the Live Register per 10,000 inhabitants in December 2024, well below the national average of 320.
Meath leads the country with the lowest unemployment rate, recording just 170 people signing on per 10,000 inhabitants, followed by Kilkenny (209) and Cork (234).
In contrast, Louth reported the highest unemployment rate, with 496 people per 10,000 signing on, followed by Donegal (464) and Leitrim (438).
The data highlights regional disparities, with eight counties surpassing 400 people on the Live Register per 10,000.
The average across the 26 Counties was 320.
Dublin (291) and Galway (289) both performed slightly better than the national average.
Overall, 166,600 people were on the Live Register in December 2024, marking a 2% increase from the previous month.

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