The incidence of the sexually-transmitted infection gonorrhoea has increased eight-fold in the past 10 years in Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare.

According to statistics from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), there were a record 49.2 cases per 100,000 population in the HSE East region covering these counties in 2012, compared to only 6.9 in 2003.

The HPSC says 800 new cases of gonorrhoea were notified in 2012 in Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare, and these counties now have a gonorrhoea incidence three times the national average.

It says in the HSE eastern region, males account for 80% of cases and the rate of increase is of considerable concern.

"This is especially so in some vulnerable groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM)."

The HPSC says in 2012, in cases where information about the clinic attended by gonorrhoea sufferers was provided, over half were found to have attended the Gay Men's Health Service.

It points out that gonorrhoea, which can be treated with antibiotics, is one of the top four curable sexually-transmitted diseases in the world and can be prevented through safer sexual intercourse.

MSMs, sex workers and youths are at increased risk, according to the HPSC.

The HSE has recently written to all GPs in the eastern region advising them on the appropriate treatment of gonorrhoea cases.

The health executive has also set up a working group to develop further control measures for those most at risk of gonorrhoea.