The Republic of Ireland has been the fastest-growing economy within the EU with the average household expenditure on sport and fitness activities and leisure goods around IR£5.03 per week. The growth of Ireland's market size for health and fitness can be attributed to the rapid expansion of the number of facilities over the past five years, especially in the Republic. There are 505 leisure centres in the Republic compared to just 202 in NI, but how will these figures alter in the near future?

The Republic of Ireland has been the fastest-growing economy within the EU with the average household expenditure on sport and fitness activities and leisure goods around IR£5.03 per week. The growth of Ireland's market size for health and fitness can be attributed to the rapid expansion of the number of facilities over the past five years, especially in the Republic. There are 505 leisure centres in the Republic compared to just 202 in NI, but how will these figures alter in the near future?

§ There are 505 leisure centres in the Republic compared to 202 in NI.

§ The growth of health and fitness facilities has mainly been within hotels.

§ Ireland has a new reputation as one of the most forward-thinking countries.

The growth of health and fitness facilities has mainly been within the hotels sector with the provision of facilities by hotels growing by 33% in the last four years. Will the user base for health and fitness facilities increase or decrease substantially over the next few years and how much will the market actually be worth? Ireland has introduced the White Flag quality award for leisure facilities, which is comparative to the European Blue Flag for beaches, and this has given Ireland a new reputation as one of the most forward-thinking countries in the provision of leisure facilities.

In response to increasing demand for data concerning the dynamic economy and growth markets of Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland, Mintel has developed a series of reports covering a wide variety of sectors within both of these dynamic regions. Each one provides detailed coverage of key drivers as well as providing the very latest volume and value data. Also included are assessments of emerging trends, the activities of existing market players, brand ownership details, supply structures, future scenarios and statistical forecasts.

The Irish Series is segmented according to three of Mintel's existing report definitions, namely Leisure, Retail and Market. This provides unparalleled coverage and will be a must for all companies who are either already active in this region, or will be looking to enter this distinct marketplace in the future.

This series is now produced and sold in Ireland exclusively through The OCO Consultancy - established by Mark O'Connell who has previously worked on a number of key consultancy projects for Irish companies.