A year on and many of the same concerns, hopes and priorities remain for people in Ireland. The public mood appears more positive than last year, when we faced a winter of rising energy prices and global uncertainty. The perceived risk of a recession has also reduced and a majority expect to get by financially, even if it is a squeeze.
Concerns about our healthcare system are top of mind, perhaps contributing to a growing sense for some that Ireland is becoming a worse place to grow old in.
Many of our hopes and priorities remain consistent. A healthy lifestyle is a priority for most this year but fewer people are focused on losing weight – are we shifting how we think about our health?
Life in Ireland
72% of us agree that Ireland is a good place to grow up in – down by 2% versus last year. Over half (56%) feel Ireland is a good country to grow old in – down from 61% in 2022.
Our natural environment, welcoming nature and cultural strengths are cited as the best things about living in Ireland.
Our healthcare system, crime situation and political system are seen as the worst things about living in Ireland.
There are increased concerns about the standard of policing versus last year, particularly among older age groups.
Managing our finances in 2024
Just under half (46%) of people expect there will be a recession this year. Though sizeable, it is significantly less than those who said the same last year (67%).
The majority expect to get by in managing their day-to-day finances and are prepared to reduce their spending to combat the cost-of-living crisis.
Most plan to reduce discretionary spending across all categories this year – particularly those in the ‘squeezed middle’.
The majority plan on saving this year, with preparing for a ‘rainy day’ cited as the main motivation, followed by holidays and home improvements.
What will motivate us in 2024?
The top personal goals for Irish people remain consistent with last year’s findings, with most aiming to sort their finances out and get fitter and healthier.
Fewer people plan on losing weight and getting fitter versus last year, while more plan on being more environmentally friendly.
Deepening relationships with friends and family is a main motivator for Irish people into 2024, though slightly less so than last year.
The public mood in 2024
Nearly half of us (47%) expect the national economic situation to deteriorate over the next 12 months. Only 16% believe it will improve.
From a personal perspective, over half (54%) say they are worse off compared to this time last year. Looking a year ahead, 37% expect to be worse off while 23% hold a positive view.
The cost-of-living crisis remains the dominant concern for Irish people with anxiety the most reported emotion when considering life in Ireland in 2024.
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