50% of public support tax on sugary drinks

The public is split on whether it can stomach a tax to help cut the country’s sugar addiction — despite nine in 10 people accepting the move is key to winning Ireland’s obesity battle.

The situation is outlined in a survey by the Irish Heart Foundation, which has called for a 20% tax on sugary drinks as part of next year’s budget.

Details revealed by the advocacy group show that, out of 1,008 people surveyed in recent weeks, 52% are in favour of imposing a tax on sugary soft drinks, compared to 46% who are opposed to any extra hit on their household budget.