Alcohol consumption among adults in Ireland has fallen by almost 5 per cent in the last year, new figures show.
A report by economist Anthony Foley found that average alcohol consumption per adult fell by 4.5 per cent last year, to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol.
The data is consistent with a downward trend recorded over the last 25 years.
The fall represents a drop of more than one-third (34.3 per cent) since 2001.
Total consumption in Ireland fell by 2.4 per cent last year to 41.5 million litres, which equates to an overall 4.5 per cent drop in alcohol intake per person when last year’s 2.3 per cent increase in the population is taken into account.
The report indicates that consumption tastes are also evolving.
Beer was Ireland’s most popular alcohol last year, with its market share increasing by 0.4% to 43.3% despite an overall drop in beer consumption.
Wine was the second-most popular drink, increasing its market share by 0.1% to 28.2% in 2024. Its popularity has increased significantly since 2000 (13.2%).
Meanwhile, spirits fell by 0.4% to 22.3% and cider fell by 0.1% to 6.1%.
The report was commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (Digi), which said the figures demonstrated that Irish people are increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation.
It follows other recent data which suggests that alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels.
OECD data 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’Keefe, the secretary of Digi and chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, said the findings are reflective of a trend over the last 25 years.
He has also called on Government to cut excise rates.
