Suicides at lowest level in a decade

Suicide rates in Ireland have fallen to their lowest level in over a decade, according to preliminary figures released by the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP).

A total of 451 deaths by suicide have been recorded in 2015 — down from 459 in the previous year and 487 in 2013.

However, the NOSP said caution was necessary with suicide figures for the past two years as they are still provisional and subject to change. The preliminary figures for 2015 indicate the suicide rate fell to 9.7 deaths per 100,000 population — down from 10 in 2014 and 12.4 in 2009. The actual number of male suicides rose last year — up seven to 375. However, the increase was offset by a more signification reduction in the number of females who died by suicide during 2015 — down 15 to 76.