National Risk Assessment 2018 - Overview of Strategic Risks

The National Risk Assessment 2018 annual report shares information gathered by a consultation which aims to stimulate and facilitate national conversation. It identifies risks under the following headings: geopolitical, economic, environmental, social and technological.

This year an Open Policy Debate was carried out in April, and a four-week public consultation period took place regarding the initial draft.

Overheating in the economy

This is the risk that growth rates will continue on their present trajectory and that the economy will potentially approach its capacity limit. Related risks are also examined, such as the under-supply and lack of affordable housing, risks to our competitiveness, tightening of the labour market and infrastructure constraints.

Impact of social media on public debate

Here the risk being highlighted is the lack of oversight of both social media users and their data. The spreading of misinformation or so-called fake news is also discussed, and the associated challenges for regulatory systems.

The risks to Ireland’s biodiversity are more prominent alongside climate change as an environmental risk, while risks around Brexit and geopolitical issues such as US trade and tax policy and the rise of populism have also intensified and evolved.

The supply and affordability of housing continues to be a prominent concern. The report also acknowledges and reflects on the linkages between risks, and their potential to interact.

This year’s report also includes a 'look back' piece, reflecting on the past four reports, since the first report was published in 2014.