There are about (~) 2,000 community pharmacies located across the country. Most pharmacies are located in cities and urban areas (~45%), where population densities per pharmacy are also typically lower. Pharmacies in towns and villages, and in rural areas respectively account for ~30% and ~25% of the national total. Employment in the sector is estimated to be ~13,300 FTEs, with community pharmacies in cities and in urban areas having larger teams (10 or more), compared to nationally (7), in towns and villages (5), and in rural areas (5). 

Community pharmacies provide a wide range of services to the communities in their catchment areas, in addition to the dispensing of prescription medication, prescription medication and advice and counselling, and dispensing over the counter medicines. More than 50% of community pharmacies provide wider services, for example, blood pressure management and COVID-19 triage support, amongst others. 

In this report:

Sector survey - A survey was issued to IPU members to gather information on the sector’s activity levels, finances, and wider sentiment.

Economic impact analysis - This analysis quantifies the impact the sector makes in communities across Ireland This analysis quantifies the impact the sector makes in communities across Ireland Provide an estimate of the current baseline economic impact of the community pharmacy sector in terms of Gross Value Added
(GVA), employment and exchequer impacts.

Social contribution - Analyse the benefits to local communities and other areas which have benefited most from their local pharmacy.