Ireland's birth rate fell by almost 4% in the second quarter of this year when compared to the same period in 2013, new statistics have shown.

The figures are contained in the Central Statistics Office's (CSO) Vital Statistics for the period April to June of this year. They show that during this time, 16,502 births were recorded, 605 fewer than the same time during 2013.

The overall average age of mothers was 32 years, while the average age of first-time mothers was just over 30 years. For women who were not married, the average age for having a baby was younger. The overall average age was 29, while the average age of first-time mothers outside of marriage was 27.

The highest number of births was registered in Dublin City - 11% of the country's new babies were registered here. The lowest number of births was recorded in Leitrim (0.6%).

Just over three-quarters of babies born during this period were to mothers of Irish nationality.

For 37% of mothers, this was their first baby, while for 35%, it was their second. For 3% of mothers, this was their fifth or more baby.

Meanwhile, the figures show that the death rate also fell during this year's second quarter when compared to the same period in 2013. Altogether 7,197 deaths were recorded between April and June, almost 450 less than the same period last year.

Fifty-five infant deaths were registered during this period, along with 41 neonatal deaths - this refers to babies who are under four weeks of age.

The biggest killer overall during this period continued to be heart-related diseases, which accounted for 2,230 deaths, followed by cancer, which accounted for 2,156 deaths.

There were 374 deaths by suicide, accidents or other external causes. Men accounted for almost 70% of these deaths.

The statistics also noted that external causes, such as accidents and suicide, were the leading cause of death among young adults aged 15 to 44 years.