Rising Costs and New Data System Highlight Ireland’s Kidney Disease Challenge
Around 5,500 patients in Ireland are currently living with end-stage kidney disease, with 2,647 receiving dialysis treatment, according to the Irish Kidney Association (IKA). The increasing cost of dialysis – exceeding €300 million annually for the Health Service Executive (HSE) – underscores the critical need for early detection and preventative measures.
Early Detection Efforts Gain Momentum
The IKA has welcomed the HSE’s rollout of a prototype Irish Kidney Disease Data System (IKDDS). Experts believe this system will facilitate earlier diagnosis of the illness. Currently, over 500 people are on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.
The Human Cost of Kidney Failure
“Behind every statistic is a person and a family whose lives are permanently changed by kidney failure,” stated Carol Moore, CEO of the IKA. “There is a profound human cost to patients and their families – including the physical and mental health toll of treatment, emotional strain, and significant disruption to daily life.”
Prevalence and Projected Increase of Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease affects approximately one in ten adults in Ireland, rising to one in seven among those over 50, as highlighted during World Kidney Day on March 13th. Globally, kidney disease is projected to grow the fifth leading cause of death by 2040. Despite its prevalence, it is often a ‘silent condition,’ with an estimated 98% of people in the early stages unaware they have it.
Importance of Data and Proactive Management
“Early detection of chronic kidney disease is crucial to preventing progression and improving outcomes through timely intervention and effective management,” said Prof. Austin Stack, consultant nephrologist at University Hospital Limerick. He emphasized that the IKDDS will be a significant step forward in understanding and managing kidney disease at a national level, aligning Ireland with international standards.
“High-quality, reliable data are fundamental to improving outcomes, enabling earlier intervention, and ensuring that health services are designed around population needs rather than reacting at the point of crisis. By enhancing how kidney health is monitored and measured, Ireland has an opportunity to shift from reactive treatment of kidney failure to proactive protection of kidney health.”
Growth in Home Dialysis Treatments
The number of patients receiving dialysis at home is increasing. In 2025, over 115,000 dialysis treatments took place in the home setting, allowing patients to save over 100,000 journeys to and from the hospital and over 190,000 hours spent in hospital, according to Prof. Joe Eustace, HSE clinical lead for the national renal office.
Risk Factors and Early Assessment
Risk factors for chronic kidney disease include diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, being over 50, and long-term use of certain over-the-counter medications. A simple blood and urine test performed by a general practitioner can assess kidney health. More information is available at www.ika.ie/kidneyhealth.
About the Irish Kidney Association
The Irish Kidney Association is a registered charity advocating for kidney patients. Carol Moore was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in October 2020, succeeding Mark Murphy after twenty years of service. The IKA team includes professionals in patient support, communications, fundraising, and finance. Moore is a fellow of Chartered Accountants Ireland with over 30 years of experience and holds a Masters in Psychology, among other qualifications. More about Carol Moore can be found on LinkedIn.