Residents of Tallaght in West Dublin have become fitter and healthier over the last 23 years, according to a new report.
The study, carried out by Trinity College Dublin and the Health Service Executive, found smoking rates have declined significantly, dropping from 69% in 2001 to 32% in 2024, while the number of people engaging in strenuous exercise has more than doubled, rising from 2.7% to 5.8% since 2014.
Educational outcomes have also improved dramatically, with an almost five-fold increase in the number of students progressing to third level, rising from 6% in 2001 to 35% in 2024.
While participation in all levels of physical activity increased since 2014, strenuous exercise has more than doubled, rising from 2.7% to 5.8%.
The study also identified a greater use of community spaces with 98% of residents saying they valued public recreational areas, while 84% said they used public transport.
The study also found that long-term homeownership has increased, with 28% of residents now living in their homes for over 30 years, compared to just 3% in 2001.
At the same time the number of people in the private rental sector rose from 4% in 2001 to nearly 14% in 2024.
Healthcare access also remains an issue, despite expanded healthcare facilities.
47% of residents attended Tallaght University Hospital for tests or treatment in the past year - more than double the 2014 rate.
However, one in three residents with chronic illnesses is on a waiting list, and one in four households lack private health insurance or a GMS or medical card, which is up on previous years.
And 31% of residents surveyed delayed or skipped medical treatment due to cost concerns in 2024, according to the study.
Heart disease rates have declined, according to the study, but it found that cases of diabetes, 14%, and neurological disorders, 19%, have risen.
'We're only at the threshold'
Principal of St Aidan's Community School Kevin Shortall said there has been a shift in mindset among students over the last 20 years.
"In recent years especially, there's a huge increase in the numbers going to third level, and I think we're only at the threshold of where the numbers are going to go," he said.
"I know from talking to students that the old idea of certain demographics that would have gone to third level and certain demographics that wouldn't traditionally, is gone. Those dispositional barriers, that people from here don't go to college, that's largely gone. What I would notice now is that it's becoming the norm and more widespread than before.
"I grew up in Tallaght and I would have been probably in the minority going to university when I went. Nowadays it's probably the majority of people that have an ambition to go to college or university, and at least half or more will go depending on the year. It's growing all the time," he added.
The study also shows that more than double the number of people are engaging in strenuous activity, and there are less than half the number of smokers in that 23-year period.
Tallaght-based GP and Assistant Professor at the Department of Public Health and Primary Care in Trinity College, Dr Darach Ó Ciardha, said these changes have impacted on people's health outcomes.
"We're seeing healthier lifestyles being taken up, a reduction in smoking rates and more kinds of physical activity," he said.
"We're also seeing changes around, what we call, the social determinants of health. These are the conditions in which we live and work.
"We're seeing improvements in terms of educational gains and housing stability as well. These social determinants are also extremely important when it comes to people's health outcomes.
"So, we're seeing improvements."
However, the study also showed there was a rise in mental health issues being reported by people in the area.
Nearly 70% of residents experienced stress in the past year, up from 59% in 2001, with financial strain cited as a growing source of anxiety.
"We're still seeing challenges in terms of mental health. In particular, high levels of stress being reported," said Dr Ó Ciardha.
"We need continued investment in terms of access to healthcare, particularly in the community setting, so it's close to people's homes and it's convenient for them.
"We also need to keep the pressure on in terms of investing in housing, good quality housing, because that is so fundamental to maintaining people's health."
Additional reporting Laura Fletcher
