The Dublin AIDS Alliance has described the rise of HIV infections across Ireland as a major concern.
New figures show that a total of 405 new HIV diagnoses were reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre last year.
This represents a 3.6% increase on 2007 figures.
The total number of HIV infections in Ireland reported to the end of December 2008 was 5,243.
Heterosexuals account for the majority of the new cases followed by gay men and injecting drug users.
Executive Director of the Dublin AIDS Alliance Mary O'Shea said investment in HIV and sexual health prevention strategies need to be a priority for the Government.
