Economic growth and disposable income are becoming more evenly distributed across the State, according to the latest data. But despite having the highest levels of economic activity, average incomes in Cork and Kerry remain below the national average.

Dubliners continue to enjoy the highest levels of disposable income, according to an analysis of 2003 data published yesterday by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Compared to a national average of €18,610, the average disposable incomes in Dublin stood at €21,082. The lowest average income level, €15,594, was recorded in Donegal.

But Dublin's lead is being eroded with disposable incomes in the capital representing 113.3 per cent of the national average in 2003, compared to 114.2 per cent a year earlier.

A comparison of average prices for selected groceries released by the CSO in May showed average prices to be 3.5 per cent higher in Dublin than elsewhere.

With per person incomes at 103 per cent of the national average, Kildare is Ireland's second richest county and together with Limerick and Dublin one of only three counties whose per person income exceeds this average.

While still the poorest region in Ireland in relative terms, income levels in the border region improved to 90.5 per cent of the national average in 2003, compared with 89.6 per cent in 2002. The region comprises the counties of Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo.

Modest improvements were also evident in the southeast, midland and western regions.

The survey also shows that Gross Value Added per person in the southwest region - comprising the counties of Cork and Kerry - was the highest in Ireland and was 131 per cent of the national average level.

However, disposable income was just 96.8 per cent of the national average.

The disparity reflects the strong presence in the region of multinational companies, mainly in the pharmaceutical sector, who repatriate large profits to the US. Gross Value Added (GVA) per person measures the average level of economic output per person, whereas disposable income reflects the portion of that output accruing to workers after tax.

At just 64.8 per cent of the national average the Midlands region - comprising the counties of Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath - had the lowest level of average economic output.

The regions relative disposable income was significantly higher at 91.9 per cent. Having the largest gap between output and income in the State indicates that this region benefits the most from transfers from central government and EU funding.

The aggregated Border Midlands and Western region improved its relative economic performance in 2003 to 70.1 per cent of the national average, from 68.5 per cent in 2002.