The decline in average alcohol consumption is ongoing, based on data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) population figures and Revenue alcohol clearance records.

Beer remains the dominant beverage in the Irish alcohol market, making up 42.9 percent of total consumption, according to the report by economist and DCU associate professor emeritus Anthony Foley.

The findings, released on Monday, reveal that average alcohol consumption per adult has dropped by 31 percent since its peak in 2001.

Although total alcohol consumption rose by 0.9 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, the average per person decreased due to a 2.4 percent increase in the adult population during that period.

The report, commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), also shows that average per adult alcohol consumption fell by 1.5 percent, equating to 9.96 litres of pure alcohol in 2023 compared to approximately 10.11 litres in 2022.

Beer remains the most consumed drink, accounting for 42.9 percent of total alcohol consumption in 2023, despite a slight decline from 43.5 percent in 2022.

Wine ranks as the second most popular choice, representing 28.3 percent of all alcohol consumed in 2023, up from 26.7 percent in 2022.

Spirits come in third, making up 22.6 percent of the 2023 total, a slight decrease from 23.2 percent in 2022.

Cider accounted for 6.2 percent of total alcohol consumption in 2023, down from 6.6 percent in 2022.

A DIGI spokesperson commented, “The long-term decline in alcohol consumption over the past two decades shows that Irish adults are consuming beer, wine, and spirits more moderately and in different ways.”

DIGI is advocating for a 15% reduction in excise tax over the next two years, arguing that Ireland’s current rates are the second highest in the EU and UK.