The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has today (01 February 2024) published Census of Population 2022 Spotlight Series: Volunteering in Ireland
Tá leagan Gaeilge den leathanch seo ar fáil. Féach Preasráiteas - Sraith Spotsolais Dhaonáireamh 2022: Obair Dheonach in Éirinn .
In April 2022, more than 700,000 people regularly engaged in helping or voluntary work (14% of the population).
The largest numbers of volunteers were involved in Sport, at almost 290,000 people or 6% of the population.
The next most common area where people volunteered was in their community, followed by in a social or in a charitable organisation.
Males were most likely to volunteer in a sporting organisation while females were more likely to volunteer in their community.
Leitrim had the highest rate of volunteers at 18%. Dublin City and South Dublin had the joint lowest at 11%.
The proportion of people engaged in helping or voluntary work increased with age. Over one-third (38%) of all volunteers were aged between 45 and 64 years.
Some 16% of volunteers, or more than 113,000 people, volunteered in more than one activity or organisation.
Among younger people, 3% of children under the age of 15 (over 30,000 people) volunteered in at least one activity.
More than 700,000 people volunteered across sporting organisations, community groups, social or charity groups, religious, or political organisations in April 2022. Sporting organisations were the most popular area for volunteering across all age groups and in the majority of counties.
Leitrim, where 18% of the population were volunteers, had the highest rate in the country. Dublin City and South Dublin had the joint lowest rate at 11%. Volunteering rates tended to be higher in Western counties, with 17% of people in both Mayo and Sligo volunteering.
In towns with a population of more than 10,000 people, Skerries and Malahide (Fingal) had the joint highest rate of people volunteering at 16%. Enniscorthy (Wexford) had the lowest rate at 10%.
In towns with a population of 1,500 to 10,000 people, Bearna (Galway) and Crosshaven (Cork) had the joint highest proportion of volunteers at 19%. Bearna also had the highest proportion of its female population volunteering at 19%, while Dunmore East (Waterford) had the highest proportion of males volunteering at 21%.
The proportion of people engaged in helping or voluntary work increased with age. More than one-third (38%) of all volunteers were aged between 45 and 64. At 47, the average age of volunteers was eight years older than the average age of the population.
More than 30,000 children aged 15 and under volunteered in at least one activity, with more than half doing so in a sporting organisation. Among towns with a population of more than 10,000 people, Balbriggan (Fingal) had the highest proportion of children (aged under 15) volunteering, at 4%.
People who had married were twice as likely as single people to be volunteering, at 21% and 9% respectively.
More than 113,000 people were volunteering in more than one area (16% of volunteers). Volunteers in political organisations were the most likely to also volunteer in another activity, with 61% doing so.
In Galway, 15% of the population or just over 42,700 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Males were slightly more likely to be volunteers than females, with 21,759 males compared with 20,948 females volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where more than 18,300 Galway people were volunteering. Just over 14,100 people volunteered in their community while more than 11,500 were involved in social or charitable organisations. There were more than 7,400 people volunteering in a religious or church group while there were nearly 1,000 volunteers in political organisations. Just over 7,300 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were almost 16,700 people volunteering. Nearly12,500 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were more than 7,100 volunteers aged 65 and over. Almost 1,700 children (under 15 years old) and nearly 4,800 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Leitrim, 18% of the county's population or almost 6,200 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. The county thus had the highest proportion of its population involved in one or more voluntary activity. There were 3,039 males and more than 3,100 females volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in the community, where almost 2,600 Leitrim people were volunteering. This was a rate of 18% of the county’s population, the highest nationally. More than 2,500 people volunteered in a sporting organisation while over 1,400 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Just over 1,300 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 200 volunteers in political organisations. Nearly 1,400 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity. This was 4% of the population, the highest rate in the country.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were 2,458 people volunteering. A further 1,714 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 1,140 volunteers aged 65 and over. Almost 300 children (under 15 years old) and nearly 600 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Mayo, 17% of the county's population or more than 23,300 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of those there were11,681 females and more than 11,600 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where almost 9,400 Mayo people were volunteering. Just over 9,100 people volunteered in their community while more than 6,200 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Almost 4,400 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 599 volunteers in political organisations. Nearly 4,700 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers was among people aged 45-64 where there were 9,390 people volunteering. A further 6,104 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 4,674 volunteers aged 65 and over. More than 1,000 children (under 15 years old) and just over 2,100 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Roscommon, 16% of the county's population or almost 11,600 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 5,638 females and just over 5,900 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where more than 4,900 Roscommon people were volunteering. Nearly 4,400 people volunteered in their community while just over 2,800 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Almost 2,300 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 251 volunteers in political organisations. Almost 2,300 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers was among people aged 45-64 where there were 4,717 people volunteering. A further 3,063 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 2,267 volunteers aged 65 and over. Nearly 500 children (under 15 years old) and just over 1,000 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Sligo, 17% of the county's population or almost 11,600 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. There was an even split of female and male volunteers, with 5,769 females and just over 5,800 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in the community, where almost 4,500 Sligo people were volunteering. Just over 4,400 people volunteered in a sporting organisation while just over 3,000 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Almost 2,400 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 301 volunteers in political organisations. Nearly 2,300 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers was among people aged 45-64 where there were 4,718 people volunteering. A further 2,984 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 2,352 volunteers aged 65 and over. More than 400 children (under 15 years old) and just over 1,100 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Carlow, 14% of the county's population or almost 8,400 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. There was an even split of female and male volunteers, with 4,152 females and just over 4,200 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where more than 3,700 Carlow people were volunteering. Nearly 2,800 people volunteered in their community while just over 2,000 were involved in social or charitable organisations. More than 1,400 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 155 volunteers in political organisations. More than 1,300 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers was among people aged 45-64 where there were 3,190 people volunteering. A further 2,398 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 1,511 volunteers aged 65 and over. Nearly 400 children (under 15 years old) and just over 900 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Dublin, 12% of the population or nearly 173,000 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. There was an even split of female and male volunteers, with 86,666 females and 86,255 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a social or charitable organisation, where nearly 58,000 Dublin people were volunteering. There were just over 57,700 people volunteering in a sporting organisation while 47,710 people were volunteering in the community. Over 34,000 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were nearly 5,000 volunteers in political organisations. More than 23,600 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were more than 60,400 people volunteering. Nearly 57,000 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were nearly 29,500 volunteers aged 65 and over. Almost 6,700 children (under 15 years old) and nearly 19,600 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Kildare, 13% of the county's population or almost 33,000 people were volunteering in in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 15,924 females and more than 17,000 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where almost 14,100 Kildare people were volunteering. More than 9,600 people volunteered in their community while over 8,700 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Nearly 5,600 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 640 volunteers in political organisations. Almost 4,500 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were 12,967 people volunteering. A further 10,053 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 4,947 volunteers aged 65 and over. More than 1,400 children (under 15 years old) and nearly 3,600 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Kilkenny, 15% of the county's population or almost 16,000 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 7,542 females and almost 8,400 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where almost 7,500 Kilkenny people were volunteering. Nearly 5,200 people volunteered in their community while almost 3,800 were involved in social or charitable organisations. There were 2,700 people volunteering in a religious or church group while 326 people were volunteers in political organisations. More than 2,700 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were 6,474 people volunteering. A further 4,380 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 2,998 volunteers aged 65 and over. Nearly 700 children (under 15 years old) and just over 1,400 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Laois, 14% of the county's population or almost 13,200 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 6,189 females and almost 7,000 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where just over 5,900 Laois people were volunteering. More than 4,200 people volunteered in their community while over 3,100 were involved in social or charitable organisations. More than 2,400 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 283 volunteers in political organisations. Nearly 2,200 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were 4,943 people volunteering. A further 4,053 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 2,078 volunteers aged 65 and over. Just over 700 children (under 15 years old) and almost 1,400 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Longford, 15% of the county's population or more than 6,800 people were volunteering their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 3,288 females and more than 3,500 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where almost 2,700 Longford people were volunteering. Similarly, nearly 2,700 people volunteered in their community while almost 1,700 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Just under 1,500 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 197 volunteers in political organisations. More than 1,300 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were 2,616 people volunteering. A further 1,915 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 1,250 volunteers aged 65 and over. More than 300 children (under 15 years old) and just over 700 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Louth, 13% of the county's population or almost 17,900 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 8,682 females and almost 9,200 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where just over 6,800 Louth people were volunteering. More than 5,200 people volunteered in their community while over 5,100 were involved in social or charitable organisations. More than 3,600 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 374 volunteers in political organisations. More than 2,500 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were 6,778 people volunteering. A further 5,110 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 3,074 volunteers aged 65 and over. More than 800 children (under 15 years old) and almost 2,100 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Meath, 14% of the county's population or almost 30,300 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 14,625 females and just over 15,600 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where almost 13,600 Meath people were volunteering. More than 9,000 people volunteered in their community while just over 7,500 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Almost 5,300 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 652 volunteers in political organisations. More than 4,500 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers was among people aged 45-64 where there 11,963 people volunteering. A further 9,308 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 4,624 volunteers aged 65 and over. Just over 1,500 children (under 15 years old) and almost 2,900 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Offaly, 15% of the county's population or almost 12,200 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. There were more male than female volunteers, with 6,451 males and just over 5,700 females volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where almost 5,600 Offaly people were volunteering. More than 4,100 people volunteered in their community while just over 2,800 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Almost 2,100 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 305 volunteers in political organisations. Almost 2,100 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers was among people aged 45-64 where there were 4,692 people volunteering. A further 3,494 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were also 2,212 volunteers aged 65 and over. Nearly 600 children (under 15 years old) and just over 1,200 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Westmeath, 14% of the county's population or almost 13,500 people were volunteering in in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 6,485 females and almost 7,000 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where more than 5,900 Westmeath people were volunteering. Just over 4,400 people volunteered in their community while more than 3,200 were involved in social or charitable organisations. More than 2,500 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 313 volunteers in political organisations. More than 2,200 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers was among people aged 45-64 where there were 5,057 people volunteering. A further 3,998 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 2,438 volunteers aged 65 and over. Nearly 700 children (under 15 years old) and almost 1,300 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Wexford, 14% of the county's population or just over 22,700 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 11,257 females and almost 11,500 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where more than 9,600 Wexford people were volunteering. Just over 8,000 people volunteered in their community while almost 5,900 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Nearly 3,500 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 508 volunteers in political organisations. Just over 3,600 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers was among people aged 45-64 where there were 9,021 people volunteering. A further 6,430 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 4,357 volunteers aged 65 and over. More than 900 children (under 15 years old) and almost 2,000 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Wicklow, 14% of the county's population or almost 22,000 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 11,263 females and almost 10,700 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where almost 8,200 Wicklow people were volunteering. Just over 7,100 people volunteered in their community while more than 6,700 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Almost 4,000 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 430 volunteers in political organisations. More than 3,500 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers was among people aged 45-64 where there were 8,848 people volunteering. A further 6,112 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 4,221 volunteers aged 65 and over. More than 900 children (under 15 years old) and just over 1,800 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Clare, 16% of the county's population or just over 20,800 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. There were slightly more male than female volunteers, with 10,508 males and just over 10,300 females volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where nearly 9,000 Clare people were volunteering. Almost 7,600 people volunteered in their community while more than 5,200 were involved in social or charitable organisations. More than 3,500 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 450 volunteers in political organisations. There were over 3,800 people volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were almost 8,500 people volunteering. A further 5,474 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 3,800 volunteers aged 65 and over. More than 900 children (under 15 years old) and nearly 2,200 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Cork, 14% of the population or almost 84,500 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Males were more likely to be volunteers, with over 44,300 males compared with just over 40,000 females volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where just over 36,000 Cork people were volunteering. Just over 26,200 people volunteered in their community while more than 23,500 were involved in social or charitable organisations. There were more than 13,600 people volunteering in a religious or church group while just over 2,000 people were volunteers in political organisations. Nearly 13,300 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were more than 32,500 people volunteering. Nearly 24,500 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were just over 15,400 volunteers aged 65 and over. More than 3,300 children (under 15 years old) and just over 8,600 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Kerry, 16% of the county's population or almost 24,800 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. There were slightly more male than female volunteers, with 12,288 females and almost 12,500 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where almost 10,500 Kerry people were volunteering. Nearly 8,600 people volunteered in their community while almost 6,500 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Nearly 4,200 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 564 volunteers in political organisations. There were almost 4,200 people volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were 9,924 people volunteering. A further 6,486 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 4,919 volunteers aged 65 and over. Almost 1,200 children (under 15 years old) and more than 2,200 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Limerick, 13% of the county's population or almost 27,800 people were volunteering in in their community and various organisations in April 2022. There were more male than female volunteers, with 12,754 females and more than 15,000 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where nearly 12,200 Limerick people were volunteering. Almost 9,000 people volunteered in their community while more than 7,100 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Over 4,400 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 667 volunteers in political organisations. There were almost 4,300 people volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were 10,094 people volunteering. A further 8,210 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 5,163 volunteers aged 65 and over. Almost 1,100 children (under 15 years old) and more than 3,200 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Tipperary, 15% of the county's population or just over 25,900 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. There were more male than female volunteers, with 13,479 males and almost 12,500 females volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where nearly 11,900 Tipperary people were volunteering. Just over 9,300 people volunteered in their community while more than 6,100 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Almost 4,300 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 613 volunteers in political organisations. There were over 4,600 people volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were almost 10,200 people volunteering. A further 7,010 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 5,277 volunteers aged 65 and over. Almost 1,100 children (under 15 years old) and just over 2,400 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Waterford, 14% of the county's population or nearly 17,800 people were volunteering in in their community and various organisations in April 2022. There were more male than female volunteers, with 9,311 males and just over 8,400 females volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where nearly 7,400 Waterford people were volunteering. Just over 5,600 people volunteered in their community while almost 4,900 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Nearly 3,000 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 380 volunteers in political organisations. There were nearly 2,700 people volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers were among people aged 45-64 where there were just over 6,700 people volunteering. A further 4,902 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 3,387 volunteers aged 65 and over. Almost 800 children (under 15 years old) and nearly 2,000 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Cavan, 16% of the county's population or almost 13,000 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 6,336 females and almost 6,600 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where more than 5,600 Cavan people were volunteering. Just over 4,400 people volunteered in their community while more than 3,100 were involved in a religious or church group. Nearly 2,900 people were volunteering in social or charitable organisations while there were 323 volunteers in political organisations. Almost 2,600 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers was among people aged 45-64 where there were 4,922 people volunteering. A further 3,677 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 2,227 volunteers aged 65 and over. More than 700 children (under 15 years old) and just over 1,400 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
In Donegal, 14% of the county's population or almost 22,800 people were volunteering in their community and various organisations in April 2022. Of these there were 11,181 females and 11,600 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where just over 8,800 Donegal people were volunteering. More than 7,800 people volunteered in their community while nearly 6,100 were involved in social or charitable organisations. Just over 4,600 people were volunteering in a religious or church group while there were 563 volunteers in political organisations. Almost 3,900 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers was among people aged 45-64 where there were 9,077 people volunteering A further 6,198 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 4,267 volunteers aged 65 and over. More than 1,000 children (under 15 years old) and just over 2,200 people aged 15-24 were volunteering.
In Monaghan, 16% of the county's population or more than 10,200 people were volunteering in various organisations and in their communities in April 2022. Of these there were 4,955 females and almost 5,300 males volunteering.
The most popular voluntary activity was in a sporting organisation, where just over 4,500 Monaghan people were volunteering. Just over 3,400 people volunteered in their community while more than 2,200 were involved in a religious or church group. Almost 2,200 people were volunteering in a social or charitable organisation while there were 213 volunteers in political organisations. Nearly 1,800 people were volunteering in more than one group or activity.
Looking at broad age groups, the largest group of volunteers was among people aged 45-64 where there were 3,810 people volunteering. A further 2,993 people aged 25-44 were also involved in voluntary activities. There were 1,804 volunteers aged 65 and over. Just over 500 children (under 15 years old) and more than 1,100 people aged 15-24 were also volunteering.
| Kathleen Goulding | (+353) 1 895 1413 |
|---|---|
| Tony Downes | (+353) 1 895 1319 |
| censuspublicity@cso.ie | |
| pressoffice@cso.ie |
-- ENDS --
Statistician's Comment
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has today (01 February 2024) released Census 2022 Spotlight Series: Volunteering in Ireland. This is the first in a new series of Census 2022 analyses which will be published under the title of Census 2022 Spotlight Series.
Commenting on the results, Sheelagh Bonham, Statistician in the Census Division, said: “For the first time since 2006, the census in 2022 included a question on volunteering. The 2006 question on volunteering was restricted to people aged 15 years and over while in 2022 it was open to people of all ages. The number of volunteers aged 15 and over grew by 23% between 2006 and 2022, matching the growth in that age group in the period. Sporting organisations had 50% more volunteers in 2022 than 2006, while religious or church groups had 13% fewer volunteers.
The most popular area where people volunteered in 2022 was a Sporting Organisation. This was followed by community activities and then volunteering in social or charitable organisations. People were least likely to volunteer in religious or church groups (18%) and political organisations (2%).
Volunteering is integral to a huge range of organisations and activities which people in every town, village, city, and county in Ireland participate in and rely on every day. This publication provides invaluable data and will help us to better understand volunteering in Ireland today.”