Building a healthy Tallaght: new research launched

Posted on: 18 March 2025

The Health Assets and Needs Assessment (HANA) 2025 study builds on previous assessments from 2001 and 2014 and provides a comprehensive analysis of progress and ongoing challenges in the Tallaght community. Based on surveys from 274 randomly selected households and 755 residents, the report highlights positive health trends while also addressing key concerns, including mental health, healthcare affordability, and community safety.

The report by Trinity College Dublin, recently launched in Tallaght Library was supported by the Adelaide Health Foundation and the Health Service Executive (HSE) and brings together researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to discuss strategies for improving healthcare and wellbeing in Tallaght.

KEY FINDINGS 1

Progress in Tallaght - several areas have seen notable improvements:

• Healthier lifestyles: Smoking rates have declined significantly, dropping from 69% in 2001 to 32% in 2024, reflecting the success of public health campaigns in the community and nationally.
• More active residents: Since 2014, strenuous exercise has more than doubled, rising from 2.7% to 5.8%, with increasing participation across all activity levels.
• Greater use of community spaces: 98% of residents value public recreational areas, and 84% use public transport, reflecting the impact of investments in parks, cycle lanes, and local infrastructure.
• Educational gains: The proportion of residents with a third-level qualification has grown from 6% in 2001 to 35% in 2024, helping them get better jobs and improve their lives.
• Expanded healthcare facilities: 47% of residents attended Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) for tests or treatment in the past year—more than double the 2014 rate.
• Housing stability: Long-term homeownership has increased, with 28% of residents now living in their homes for over 30 years, compared to just 3% in 2001.

Commenting on the report, John Kelly, Interim CEO of Tallaght University Hospital, said:

"It is great to see that the expansion of our services and community health initiatives, since the last HANA report, have made a real difference. As part of the new Hospital Strategy which we are in the midst of developing, we will be looking at the new data to help us identify what is working well and where improvements are needed to ensure equitable healthcare access for `people in our community."

KEY FINDINGS 2

Persistent Challenges in Tallaght - despite these gains, the HANA 2025 report reveals several pressing issues:

Whilst this research highlights many positive developments in the community, there are some key areas of concern which the community must work together to address. Reducing the proportion of people who regularly worry about money, improving perceptions of safety, and addressing the significant reduction in local levels of volunteering all require a consistent effort from those who live and work in Tallaght. The HANA research provides evidence to inform the future plans and priorities of the community.      

• Rising mental health concerns: 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.
• Loneliness remains a concern: While 60% rarely feel lonely, 29% experience loneliness "some of the time", and 10% feel lonely "often".
• Healthcare access remains an issue: One in three residents with chronic illnesses is on a waiting list, and 25% of households lack private health insurance or a GMS card—an increase from previous years.
• Concerns over community safety: 72% of residents feel unsafe due to increased reports of antisocial behaviour and crime, discouraging outdoor activities and social engagement.
• Financial barriers to healthcare: 31% of residents have delayed or skipped medical treatment due to cost concerns.
• Chronic disease burden remains high: While heart disease rates have declined, cases of diabetes (14%) and neurological disorders (19%) have risen, underscoring the need for better preventive care.
• Housing challenges: Private rental rates have more than tripled since 2001, rising from 4% to nearly 14%, pointing to affordability concerns.

Professor Catherine Darker

Professor Catherine Darker, lead author of the report, stressed the urgency for action:

"While progress has been made to improve health and wellbeing in Tallaght, persistent and increasing amounts of stress , healthcare affordability, and community safety must be urgently addressed."

Ms Marian Quinn, CEO of Childhood Development Initiative and Chair of the HANA Steering Committee, said:

“Only one in ten people in Tallaght are volunteering their time for community initiatives, there are many benefits to volunteering both for the individual and the community, so we need to support people to become a volunteer. ”     

Next steps for a healthy Tallaght

The HANA project continues to place the community at the heart of its research, enabling residents to identify their own health priorities. A recent workshop, attended by 50 residents, recognised key actions and next steps:

• Tackle mental health challenges by addressing their root causes and expanding community-based support and early intervention services.
• Ensure affordable and accessible healthcare through more GPs and chronic disease management hubs, increased financial supports, and accelerated implementation of Sláintecare.
• Address housing affordability and quality, recognising its impact on mental health and chronic disease care.

Brian Kearney, the HSE’s Head of Primary Care in the area noted that:

“The HANA project, through its strong partnership approach, allows us to listen to our community and gather insights into health needs at this time. Using this approach, we can ensure a more targeted approach to meaningful improvements in community health in the areas that matter most to the community – areas such as chronic disease support, GP access, mental health services and a focus on a more integrated approach to the delivery of healthcare provision. By working together — with residents, health services, community organisations, funders and policymakers—we are turning evidence into impact for Tallaght."

 

MORE INFORMATION

You can read the full Health and Needs Assessment (HANA) report 2025 at this link: :https://www.tcd.ie/medicine/public-health-and-primary-care/research/hana/

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