Suicides in Ireland fall to 2007 level following downturn surge

The number of suicides in Ireland has fallen back to 2007 levels after a surge in numbers during the economic downturn, the 2014 annual report of the National Office of Suicide Prevention shows.

There were 459 deaths by suicide last year, down from 475 in 2013, according to the report. As in previous years, the rate of suicide among men is more than four times that among women. The male suicide rate peaks among the 45-54 age group, according to the report, while suicide among women is highest in the 24-34 age group.

Suicide rates in the worst affected counties were almost four times higher than in those with the lowest rates. Limerick city and Co Kerry had the highest suicide rates in the years 2011-2013, while Fingal and north Tipperary recorded the lowest rates.

The report says Ireland’s suicide rate is not high by international standard but rates among young males and females are high. Among 15-19-year-olds, the rate was 10.5 per 100,000 of the population, the fourth highest rate in this age group across 31 European countries.