A significant increase in the number of births last year suggests Covid pandemic triggered a ‘baby boom’ in Ireland.
HSE figures show 59,874 babies were born in maternity hospitals and units across the country in 2021, up from 56,858 in 2020.
It is the first time that there has been an annual increase since 2009.
ESRI Associate Research Professor Adele Bergin, says a higher birth rate in Ireland would have an impact on society.
Professor Bergin says high birth rates would lead to a higher natural increase in the population which, in turn, will help boost the potential labour force in the future.
