Sports Participation is one of the highlights of the CSO's 2026 Statistical Work Plan
CSO Corporate Report,
Summary
This release represents the tenth iteration of the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Annual Statistical Work Plan. The Statistical Work Plan 2026 details the official statistics to be produced by the CSO in the forthcoming year and provides a comprehensive overview of planned statistical outputs. It includes the statistical work plans of various other producers of national and European statistics across the National Statistical System (NSS).
Under the Statistics Act, 1993 and EU Regulation 223/2009, the CSO is legally responsible for coordinating official statistics. This consolidated work plan demonstrates the CSO's proactive approach to fulfilling this mandate and ensuring quality assurance across the NSS.
This Statistical Work Plan enhances transparency and external visibility regarding the broad range of official statistics produced by the CSO and throughout the NSS. It is further intended to promote collaboration and coordination among the various statistic producers within the broader system. For 2026, the work plan comprises 556 planned releases from the CSO and 33 other NSS organisations, including 60 new products.
Many outputs are planned for 2026, and some of the new outputs will address identified data gaps and emerging areas of interest concerning the environment, the economy, and Irish society.
Key Highlights for 2026
Sports Participation: The Labour Force Survey mini module focuses on people’s involvement in physical activity for exercise, recreation or sport. This release will assess the extent to which people participate in sport and physical activity in Ireland as well as inform how social enterprises or organisations focused on growing participation in sport should be supported.
Private Rental Sector in Ireland: This release will provide new insights into the private rental sector in Ireland in 2024. It will be based on a range of administrative data sources and will focus on three key aspects of the sector: tenants, landlords, and rental properties.
Air Quality: This release is a comparative analysis of air quality in 2016 and 2022. It will provide insights into how air quality has evolved, while considering the links between the smoky fuel ban and public health.
Teacher Workforce Data Bulletin (Department of Education): This release will provide comprehensive data and trend analysis on Ireland's teacher workforce in both primary and post primary sectors. Using administrative datasets from payroll systems, allocations, and the Teaching Council register, key workforce statistics and findings will be presented, informing policy and stakeholders.
Modern Methods of Construction (Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage): This new release will break down statistics on residential commencement notices by category and material of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). This is possible as the main method of construction and the main construction material is now recorded on the Building Control Management System (BCMS). MMC is an industry term used to describe a range of manufacturing and innovative alternatives to traditional construction. Cross-departmental collaboration has enabled these statistics to be produced. This has included development of the BCMS and engagement with the industry by the National Building Control Office.
Productivity and Savings Taskforce Indicator Dashboard (Department of Health): This new Dashboard will highlight Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that reflect progress on the work of the Taskforce. Indicator categories will include Hospital Activity, Expenditure, Workforce, Composite Activity, Productivity Enabling KPIs, and Waiting Lists.
In addition to these new products, the plan includes details of the CSO's ongoing statistical outputs covering key environmental, economic, and societal developments. The CSO remains responsive to emerging data needs and will incorporate additional outputs as required.
Summary
This release represents the tenth iteration of the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Annual Statistical Work Plan. The Statistical Work Plan 2026 details the official statistics to be produced by the CSO in the forthcoming year and provides a comprehensive overview of planned statistical outputs. It includes the statistical work plans of various other producers of national and European statistics across the National Statistical System (NSS).
Under the Statistics Act, 1993 and EU Regulation 223/2009, the CSO is legally responsible for coordinating official statistics. This consolidated work plan demonstrates the CSO's proactive approach to fulfilling this mandate and ensuring quality assurance across the NSS.
This Statistical Work Plan enhances transparency and external visibility regarding the broad range of official statistics produced by the CSO and throughout the NSS. It is further intended to promote collaboration and coordination among the various statistic producers within the broader system. For 2026, the work plan comprises 556 planned releases from the CSO and 33 other NSS organisations, including 60 new products.
Many outputs are planned for 2026, and some of the new outputs will address identified data gaps and emerging areas of interest concerning the environment, the economy, and Irish society.
Key Highlights for 2026
In addition to these new products, the plan includes details of the CSO's ongoing statistical outputs covering key environmental, economic, and societal developments. The CSO remains responsive to emerging data needs and will incorporate additional outputs as required.