Consumption Of Alcohol In Ireland Has Dropped By More Than A Third Since 2001

Alcohol consumption by Irish adults fell significantly last year, continuing the major downward trend recorded over the last quarter of a century, show figures published this month.

The DIGI report was compiled by Anthony Foley, associate professor emeritus at Dublin City University (DCU), using data from the CSO population and migration estimates for April 2024 and the Revenue Commissioners’ alcohol clearances data.

It shows that average alcohol consumption per adult fell by 4.5% last year, to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol. This shows a drop of more than one third (34.3%) since 2001.

“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,” said Donall O’Keeffe, secretary of DIGI and CEO of the Licensed Vintners’ Association.

“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.”

The report shows that total consumption in Ireland fell by 2.4% last year, to 41.5 million litres, which results in an overall 4.5% drop in alcohol intake per person, when last year’s 2.3% increase in population is taken into account.

It follows other recent data that showed that alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels. OECD data for 2022 revealed that consumption here ranks behind France, Spain and Austria, among others. 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.

“This downward trend also raises the obvious question as to why Ireland continues to have the second-highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe,” said O’Keeffe.

“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.”

According to the report, beer was the country’s most popular alcohol last year. Its market share increased by 0.4%, to 43.3%, despite an overall drop in beer consumption.

Meanwhile, wine was the second-most popular drink, increasing its market share by 0.1%, to 28.2%, in 2024. Wine’s popularity has increased significantly since 2000 (13.2%), according to DIGI.

The report shows that spirits fell by 0.4%, to 22.3%, and cider fell by 0.1%, to 6.1%.

“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,” said O’Keeffe.

“A cut in excise would offer these businesses an opportunity to continue acting as vital hubs in their communities, as well as a crucial part of our tourism product.

“DIGI will be seeking a 10% cut in excise in this year’s Budget, as an urgent measure to give these businesses a fighting chance of survival.”