The Wellbeing of the Nation 2017

Performance of indicator:

The Census of Population undertakes the task of measuring the number of people who are homeless in Ireland on Census night (the 10^th of April 2011 and the 24^th of April 2016). This includes those who were in sheltered accommodation and who were sleeping rough. It was found that 6,906 were homeless on Census night 2016. This is an increase from 2011 of 81%, when the corresponding figure was 3,808.

Justification of indicator:

Having a home contributes greatly to individual well-being. A home provides shelter from the inclement weather, personal safety and privacy. It also provides people with a level of dignity and security that sleeping rough or being in emergency accommodation does not. Homelessness has an effect on the health status of individuals along with their access to health care services.

Performance of indicator:

Air quality is measured though the level of emissions of Carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere. The level of these emissions has fallen since 2005 when 47,952 thousand tonnes were emitted. In 2014, 36,559 thousand tonnes of CO2 was emitted.

Justification of indicator:

The level of CO2 in the atmosphere is important to measure as it is a major contributor to the warming of the atmosphere as it remains in the atmosphere for a longer time than other gases. As such, it is a societal goal to reduce the levels of this gas. It should be noted that this indicator is taken as a proxy for the overall condition of the atmosphere. Other gases, including nitrous oxide and methane, also contribute to the environment in different ways.

Performance of indicator:

The percentage of river channel length surveyed which was unpolluted between the years 1987-1990 was 77%. This fell to 67% in the years 1995-1997. The figure remained at approximately 70% until 2010-2012, when it increased to 73%. These percentages are based on samples collected from over 3,000 locations across Ireland by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Unpolluted waters include pristine waters and waters of a less high but acceptable standard.

Justification of indicator:

Clean water is essential for life. It is vital to the health of individuals and thus is an important element of well-being. The quality of river water has been selected as the overall indicator of water quality as river water is the principal source of drinking water in Ireland, and it also an important environmental indicator.

Justification of indicator:

Increased waste is associated with pollution risks to soil, air and water. One way to reduce the amount of solid waste accumulating is to recycle that waste. Recycling conserves our current resources and protects our natural habitat for the future. It also provides members of society with an overall feeling of contribution to the well-being of that society.

Go to next chapter: Governance and Equality