There's been an increase of almost 49 percent (48.8) in new cars licensed in January.
Figures released from the CSO show there were almost 16 thousand private cars licenced last month, up from 10 thousand 735 in January 2013.
Imported cars being licensed for the first time also saw a huge increase, with almost 4 thousand more (47.9 percent) being brought into the country.
Almost three quarters of cars being licensed for the first time were diesel.
Licensing is different to registration - it refers to vehicles for which a tax disc is issued.
