The Irish economy grew slightly better than forecast last year according to official figures just published.

The Central Statistics Office says there was GDP growth of 4.8% - the Government's last prediction for the year was 4.7%.

Ireland's growth rate is now five times the euro area average, which is under 1%.

All areas of the economy showed growth last year - Agriculture was up 10%, Construction up 6.9%, Distribution, Transport & Communications up 8%.

Personal consumption such as the purchase of new cars added to the better than expected performance.

In the final quarter of 2014, GDP increased by 0.2% over the previous quarter with agriculture again proving to be one of the major contributors (rising by 4.8%).