Booze intake of Irish population has plummeted since 2001
Ireland is losing its reputation as a boozy country as it has slipped down the rankings list, new data show.
The amount we drink has fallen by more than a third since 2001, and by 4.5% last year alone, and has resulted in Ireland now ranking as average in EU terms, according to a report commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI).
Irish consumption ranks behind France, Spain and Austria, amongst others, according to figires for 2022 from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Irish consumption ranks behind France, Spain and Austria, amongst others. Pic: Shutterstock
Meanwhile, a separate report by the Health Research Board last year also indicated that our alcohol consumption was at average levels by EU or OECD standards.
The international organisation provides a platform for 38 member countries to compare policy experiences, seek solutions to common problems, and coordinate domestic and international policies. Ireland is losing its reputation as a boozy country as it has slipped down the rankings list, new data show. Pic: Shutterstock
The report, authored by economist Anthony Foley, Associate Professor Emeritus at Dublin City University shows that 'this downward trend raises the obvious question of why Ireland continues to have the second highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe'.
Donall O'Keefe, secretary of DIGI and head of The Licensed Vintners Association, said: 'Given that we now consume alcohol at average European levels it makes sense that we should pay excise at average European levels also.'
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