Alcohol claimed the lives of 555 people in Western Trust in ten years 2009-19

The Western Trust had the second highest rate of death from alcohol-specific causes over the ten years with 16.9 deaths per 100,000.

In total there were 555 deaths locally over the period with 282 occurring in the five years from 2015 to 2019.

The death rate rose to a five year high in 2019 with 64 in total (21.1 per 100,000).

Sinn Féin's local health spokesperson Councillor Sandra Duffy said: "The high number of alcohol-related deaths must be a cause of deep concern across all aspects of society.

"It is important to remember that behind each one of these is a family and community grieving about the loss of a life.

"The impact of alcohol continues to affect deprived areas disproportionately with deaths three times higher than least deprived areas.

"The Minister of Health has promised a consultation on minimum unit pricing for alcohol later this year.

"I urge everyone to consider deeply their relationship to alcohol and to have their say on the current Department of Health consultation on substance misuse."

Health Minister Robin Swann said: “These figures serve as a stark reminder of the real harm that alcohol can cause bringing heart breaking consequences for individuals, families and communities right across Northern Ireland.

“Each one of these deaths is preventable and I want to put on record my condolences to all those who have lost loved ones in such tragic circumstances.

“It is vital that as a society we do more to prevent and reduce the harm that alcohol causes.

“My Department’s new Draft Alcohol and Drug Strategy for Northern Ireland is presently out for consultation. I would encourage everyone – but especially those affected by alcohol and drug use – to consider the strategy and respond to it to help us improve what we are doing to reduce alcohol and drug related deaths.”

Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride added: “Alcohol is not an ordinary product, if we drink too much we can put ourselves and those around us at risk of harm.

“We need to continue to challenge our own and other people’s drinking behaviours at both an individual and a population-wide level.

“We are also mindful of the impact of COVID-19 and reports that people may be drinking more at home during periods of lockdown. Now is a good time to reflect on how much alcohol you are consuming and if appropriate to reduce drinking to improve your physical and mental wellbeing.”