More people are drinking gin in Ireland than ever before.

New research shows it is the fastest growing spirit drink in the country.

Vodka still remains the nation’s favourite spirit - however sales have been steadily declining in recent years.

Last year the consumption of gin grew by 31% according to the Irish Spirits Association – and that trend is continuing this year.

William Lavelle, head of the Irish Spirits Association, gave Today FM his thoughts on what is behind Ireland's newfound gin craze.

"[It is] just changing trends," he said. "Vodka remains Ireland's most popular spirit but sales have consistently fallen over the last ten years, whereas gin is the drink of the moment - it is booming."

These people on Leeson Street in Dublin have mixed views on gin.

Despite the growing popularity of gin, the consumption of spirits overall is down 19% overall in the past decade.

The Government is soon to publish a new Alcohol Bill which will have stricter rules surrounding the consumption and advertisement of alcohol.

William Lavelle says this could really hurt the industry.

"We are obviously still very concerned about this bill," he said. "It will seriously undermine investment in the Irish spirit industry; it will put jobs at risk and it will stifle competition."

And although spirit consumption is down at home – exports of it are continuing to grow.

It increased 6% per cent last year with whiskey performing particularly well.