The volume of retail sales fell by over 14% in 2009 compared to the previous year.

New figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) also show the value of sales last year dropped by 18%.

The motor trade suffered the most significant decline – down by 15.1%.

The report also shows retail sales in December fell by 7.5% compared to the same time in 2008 – with the value of the sales 12.5% lower.