More people in Ireland are now teetotal.
New data from the Health Research Board shows almost one in three people over the age of 15 don't drink at all, with the numbers of non-drinkers increasing from 25% in 2018 to 30% in 2022.
The review by the Health Research Board shows average annual consumption for people aged 15 years and over last year was almost 10 litres of pure alcohol.
That equals 37 bottles of vodka, 104 bottles of wine, or 400 pints of beer.
HRB report shows alcohol remains a significant public health issue causing illness and putting pressure on our health system.https://t.co/0jYOM7Hvug pic.twitter.com/8DYRexXZWh
— HealthResearchBoard (@hrbireland) April 17, 2024
Ireland ranks third highest in the world for the number of pubs per head, while three-in-four people live within walking distance of a licenced premises.
HRB research officer Anne Doyle says despite a slight decline in alcohol consumption we're still drinking too much.
"Even just compared to 2022, in the year to 2023, we've seen a decline in alcohol use.
"So there is a small decline in the volume of alcohol that we're drinking, however, we are still drinking in a harmful and hazardous way".
