The average Irish person drinks the equivalent of 40 litres of vodka per year, new findings show.
Research from The Health Research Board shows that Ireland now has the ninth highest alcohol consumption rate in the world - as the average person drinks the equivalent of 40 litres of vodka, 113 bottles of wine or 436 pints of beer in one year
The top health experts are concerned there has been a major shift to home drinking during the COVID-19 pandemic as pubs, bars and restaurants have been shut for most of the past year.
It is also particularly worried about the impact on children of an increase in parental drinking.
The Health Research Board’s 175-page study found that around one third of Irish children live with at least one parent who is either a binge drinker or alcohol dependent.
It also found that nearly two thirds of 17-year-olds had been "really drunk”, with a slightly higher proportion being girls.
And an average of three people died every day from alcohol in Ireland, with 70% of those under 65 years of age.
Dr Deirdre Mongan, co-author of the report, said most Irish people are unaware that their drinking habits are harmful.
She said: “While we have not seen a rise in consumption in recent years, the amount we drink and in particular how we drink continues to put us at risk of serious harm.
“Binge drinking is still widespread, especially among young people.
“Almost one in four men and one in ten women report that over the past year they have drunk more in a single sitting than would be suggested as a maximum weekly limit by low-risk guidelines.
“However, it appears many of us are unaware that our habits may be harmful.
“More than half of Irish drinkers are classified as hazardous drinkers, yet 74% consider themselves to be a light or moderate drinker.”
Prof Frank Murray, chair of Alcohol Health Alliance Ireland, said Irish society is under huge pressure from alcohol-related harm.
He said: “The human toll is tragic but the shocking socio-economic cost, especially as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to be a matter Ireland simply cannot ignore.
“We hold a common interest in addressing the widespread damage caused to health by alcohol use and advancing public health policy to address the issue.
“The Public Health Alcohol Act remains the best opportunity to address this national crisis and as we approach the 1,000 days since its enactment the government now must outline a definitive timeline for its full implementation.”
Alcohol Action Ireland also called on the Government to introduce minimum unit pricing to end the availability of cheap, strong alcohol in supermarkets, convenience stores and shops.
