New research from Aviva Health Insurance reveals that Irish people are spending almost €2,000 per year on alcohol, with men typically spending €2,395 and women €1,607.

According to the study, men are consuming an average of 15 alcohol units per week and women an average of nine.

The insurer suggests that while this is below the recommended weekly limit of 21 units for men and 14 units for women, concerns should be raised because the limits identify when damage to health can be caused by alcohol.

Regionally, the research shows that residents of counties Dublin and Louth drink the most alcohol, consuming an average of 12 units per week, while counties Carlow, Donegal, Kerry, Laois, Roscommon and Tipperary reported the lowest level of drinking, at nine units per week.

Earlier in the year, Aviva released smoking statistics which showed that women in Ireland are smoking double the amount of cigarettes when compared to men, highlighting a growing trend among women.