Latest figures from 2016 show that it’s now at 11.5 litres and that we had the fourth highest level of alcohol consumption out of 36 DECD countries. There are patterns of drinking in certain groups and societies that surpass EU averages and we cannot be complacent. These consumption habits have contributed to an increase in alcohol-related harm in the southern counties of Cork, Kerry and Cork City, manifesting as alcohol-related hospital admissions, mortality and morbidity.

Although not comprehensive, this report shines a light on the impact of Alcohol on certain vulnerable groups in society and aims to focus minds of public and practitioners alike on actions that we can take to minimise the impact on individuals and societies.