Westmeath children among less healthy: CSO

Westmeath children are among the least healthy in Ireland, according to figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The statistics, gathered from a 2024 survey of parents and guardians, found that 90.8% of children in the HSE midlands and Dublin region, which includes Westmeath, were reported to be in “good or very good” general health. That places the region at the bottom of the national league table, behind all other HSE areas. Children in the HSE South-West region, covering Cork and Kerry, came out on top, at 95.2% having good or very good health. The national average is 92.4%.

The figures are part of the CSO’s Irish Health Survey, which for the first time includes breakdowns by HSE area. The report states: “The statistics contained in this release are selected from a module on children’s health that was included in the Irish Health Survey, which was conducted in 2024.”

While general health scores remain relatively high across the board, the survey highlighted gaps in children’s dental health, and found that 82.3% of ages 2-17 rated have good or very good dental health; 3.2% were reported to have “bad or very bad” dental health.

Older children in this area also fare worse than younger peers. Nationally, 94.6% of children aged nine to 12 were reported to be in good or very good health, compared to 89.6% of ages 13-17.

One in five children in Ireland have a long-standing illness or health condition. Boys (19.9%) are more likely to be affected than girls (16.8%).

The survey also examined nutrition and lifestyle; 89% of children eat fruit and vegetables at least once a day, and nearly 96% have meals with meat, fish, or a vegetarian equivalent daily. Older children were less likely to consume fruit and vegetables regularly.

Participation in leisure activities such as sports, music, and youth organisations was highest among nine to 12-year-olds (92.3%), and lowest among children aged 2-8 (80.8%).