High Mayo deprivation rates cited by HSE West report

UP to 70% of Mayo's population of 130,638 is considered to be 'below average affluence or disadvantaged'.

The high deprivation levels for the county are contained in a briefing document on community healthcare circulated to elected members of the HSE West.

Under the heading 'key health facts', Mayo is identified as having the third highest dependency ratio nationally of 55.9%.

This figure relates to people aged between 0-14 and those 65 and over.

The dossier revealed that Mayo has high levels of people (20.5%) who only completed primary education. That's more that five percentage points over the national rate of 15.2%.

Rates of mortality from heart disease and stroke, respiratory disease, and injuries and poisonings are higher than the average for Ireland.

For males, the incidence of prostate cancer and malignant melanoma are higher than the national average while, for females, the incidence of malignant melanoma, colorectal, breast and lung cancer are lower than the national average.

The birth rate of 13.7 is lower than the national rate of 15.8.

When contacted, Mayo Independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, a member of the HSE West Forum, admitted being 'staggered' by the statistics.

“It is clear to me that the community services being provided in this county do not reflect the needs of the people and there is no funding to provide additional services. This is very worrying and I will be seeking answers,” he said.