Ireland Faces Demographic Turning Point as Birth Rates Continue to Fall

Ireland is entering 2026 facing a growing demographic challenge as birth rates continue to fall well below replacement level, prompting warnings of a potential “vicious downward cycle” of population ageing, workforce contraction, and mounting pressure on public services. Advisory bodies, including the National Economic and Social Council, caution that without decisive policy action on housing, childcare, and family supports, the long term economic and social consequences could become increasingly difficult to reverse.

Aaron Joyce, Newswire, LTT Media; Newsdesk; 31 December 2025