The birth rate in the Shannonside Region fell last year compared to 2022 according to new figures. Data from the Central Statistics Office show 1,553 births were registered in the three counties in 2023. The births were recorded over the 12 months of last year in Longford, Leitrim and Roscommon with the average mother found to be 33 years old. Levels fell by close to 4 percent compared to the previous year where 1,609 children were born locally.
Roscommon recorded the highest number of births and the only increase in registrations. 712 children were born in the county last year compared to 704 in 2022. Longford had the next highest level of births at 503, down slightly from 514 in 2022. Leitrim saw the highest drop in birth rates locally with 391 children born in 2022 and 338 born last year. Nationally, 54,622 births were registered in Ireland in 2023.
