A new analysis of allegations of abuse made against 98 priests over a 70-year period shows that the alleged abuse peaked in the 1980s.

Fresh data released by the Dublin Archdiocese May 24 showed that 34 per cent of complainants alleged their abuse happened in the 1980s.

Just one per cent of claims relate to alleged abuse in the period from 2000 to 2010.

The update also shows that the cost, so far, to the archdiocese for settlement of claims regarding child sexual abuse by priests currently stands at $19 million, approximately $13 million of which is compensation and the remainder legal costs paid for both sides.

The head of the archdiocesan Child Safeguarding and Protection Service, Andrew Fagan, said "while the majority of allegations of abuse reported to us now relate to sexual abuse which may have occurred many years ago, it is still crucial to be vigilant and to work to ensure standards are maintained."