Big shift in drinking habits as data reveals Irish adults now in line with EU average
The latest data has been described as consistent with a downward trend recorded over the last 25 years among drinkers in Ireland.
A new report by economist Anthony Foley found the average alcohol consumption per adult fell by 4.5pc last year to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol. This is a drop of more than one-third (34.3pc) since 2001.
Total consumption in Ireland fell by 2.4pc last year to 41.5 million litres, which equates to an overall 4.5pc drop in alcohol intake per person when population increase is factored in.
The report indicates that consumption tastes are also evolving. Beer was Ireland's most popular alcoholic drink last year, with its market share increasing marginally to 43.3pc despite an overall drop in beer consumption.
Wine was the second most popular drink, increasing its market share to 28.2pc in 2024 – up from 13pc in 2000.
Meanwhile, spirits fell by 0.4pc to 22.3pc and cider fell by 0.1pc to 6.1pc.
The report was commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (Digi), which said the figures demonstrated that Irish people were increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation. It follows other recent data which suggests that alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels.
Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for 2022 revealed that Irish consumption ranks behind countries including France, Spain and Austria, and a separate report by the Health Research Board last year also indicated that Ireland's alcohol consumption was at average levels by EU or OECD standards.
Donall O'Keeffe, the secretary of Digi and chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, said the findings were reflective of a trend over the last 25 years. He also called on the Government to cut excise rates.
'Today's figures offer clear proof of what many of us already know – Irish people are increasingly drinking in a restrained manner, with consumption continuing the downward trajectory that has been recorded since the millennium,' Mr O'Keeffe said.
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'In contrast to the negative stereotypes that once existed, alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels, with the purchase of non-alcoholic drinks continuing to increase.
'This downward trend also raises the obvious question as to why Ireland continues to have the second highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe.
'Given that we now consume alcohol at average European levels, it makes sense that we should pay excise at average European levels also.
'This is particularly true following the introduction of minimum unit pricing, which prevents the sale of strong alcohol at low prices in supermarkets and shops.
'Across Ireland, hundreds of small rural pubs and restaurants are struggling for survival due to repeated increases in the cost of doing businesses, including staff, energy and insurance.
'Digi will be seeking a 10pc cut in excise in this year's Budget as an urgent measure to give these businesses a fighting chance of survival.'
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