The new research report, produced in collaboration with EY Economic Advisory, draws on data from over 30,000 claim applications for injuries sustained by visitors to businesses and public spaces.

The five-year period examined overlaps with the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the introduction of the personal injuries guidelines in 2021.

The total value of public liability awards made between 2019 and 2023 was almost €130 million, with the total value of awards made in 2023 almost €20 million or 37 per cent lower than 2019.

Claims in cafés, hotels, and restaurants more than halved between 2019 and 2023. Shops and stores saw a 44 per cent decrease, and sports and athletic areas experienced a 38 per cent reduction.

However, claims in residential institutions rose by 22 per cent, largely due to fatal incidents in long-term care settings during the pandemic.

There were low volumes of claims for accidents in childcare settings, a sector that has historically reported high insurance costs, with just 256 personal injury claims identified over five years, compared to nearly 170,000 children enrolled in 2020/2021.

Outdoor falls caused by hazards such as uneven or broken footpaths and potholes caused more pedestrian injuries than motor vehicle collisions. Although these injuries tend to be less severe, their frequency is nearly double, equating to over €9 million in compensation in 2023.

Dr Lauren Swan, head of research and policy at the Injuries Resolution Board, said: “This report, utilising data from over 30,000 claim applications, allows us to better understand which demographic groups are at higher risk of sustaining injuries in business and public spaces.

“The report highlights the significant impact of outdoor falls on older adults, with more than half of this age group sustaining moderate to severe injuries. Our research contributes to a growing body of evidence showing that not all accidents are experienced equally, underscoring the need for enhanced protective measures to mitigate the risk of accidents.

“Additionally, the data presented within the report provides greater transparency in the claims’ environment for the public liability area and provides important insights on the costs and frequency of claims which should be helpful to both policy makers and insurance companies alike.”

Welcoming the report, Dara Calleary, the minister of state for trade promotion, digital and company regulation, said: “Reports such as this offer us key insights as legislators and public policy makers into the prevailing trends in personal injuries that impact on a wide variety of Irish life in areas such as tourism, business supports, and agriculture.

“The introduction of the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act in 2022, and the extension of the Board’s functions to research, has enabled the Board to better utilise their valuable data to bring transparency to the personal injuries area.

“Today’s report shows the inroads being made in terms of insurance reform with the overall cost of claims in this area down significantly but also highlights the very real impact accidents can have at an individual level and enables us to learn from this in terms of prevention.

“The reduction in the cost of claims needs now to be passed on to policy holders. The government’s insurance reform plan has transformed the operating environment of insurance in Ireland. Policy holders need to see this reflected in their premiums.”

Rosalind Carroll, CEO of the Injuries Resolution Board, added: “This report is important as it delivers insights that can be actionable, both in terms of safeguarding individuals, but also in terms of understanding the trends of where and how often claims are occurring in certain areas.

“Our research allows us, for the first time, to take a closer look at certain sectors within the public liability setting, such as childcare, an area that affects so much of society. Today’s data reveals a remarkably low volume of claims: just 256 accidents over five years, compared to 170,000 children enrolled annually.”