Irelands Health and Fitness and the Cycling Market
- Michael Kelly
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
The health and fitness app market in Ireland has seen significant growth, driven by increased health awareness and digital adoption, while government investments in cycling infrastructure aim to promote sustainable transport. Both trends align with global shifts toward wellness and climate action, though bicycle theft remains a barrier to cycling adoption.
Health and Fitness App Market Growth in Ireland
Ireland’s health and fitness app market expanded in 2024, with MyFitnessPal and Strava leading in revenue and active users. MyFitnessPal generated up to $28.2K weekly in Q3 2024, while Strava peaked at $27.3K[1][2]. Downloads for these apps remained steady, reflecting sustained demand[1][3]. Nationally, 71% of adults used fitness tracking apps, spending an average of €143 annually on digital health services[4]. This aligns with the global mHealth market, projected to grow at a 14.9% CAGR through 2030[5][6].
Key drivers:
· Rising smartphone penetration and hybrid fitness trends[6].
· Post-pandemic focus on mental and physical health[7].
· Integration of AI for personalized workout/nutrition plans[6].
Government Cycling Infrastructure Investments
Ireland has prioritized cycling infrastructure to meet climate goals, allocating €294 million in 2025 for active travel projects, including segregated cycle lanes and greenways[8]. The National Cycling Network (NCN) plans to connect 2.8 million people via 3,500km of routes by 2040[9]. These efforts mirror global trends, such as the EU’s push for cycling-friendly cities and the World Bank’s advocacy for cycling’s economic benefits (e.g., 8–24 jobs per $1 million invested)[10][11].
Impact on cycling adoption:
· Active travel infrastructure (e.g., Grand Canal Greenway) increased cycling safety and accessibility[9][12].
· Projects aim to reduce transport emissions by 51% by 2030[9].
· 81% of Irish adults used connected fitness devices in 2023, suggesting synergy between infrastructure and app usage[4].
Bicycle Theft: A Barrier to Cycling Growth
Despite infrastructure investments, bicycle theft undermines cycling adoption. Studies show 44% of theft victims globally stop cycling or reduce usage, with 39% not replacing stolen bikes[13][14]. In Ireland, inadequate secure storage exacerbates risks, particularly in schools and urban areas[15][16]. Solutions like high-tech bike shelters and registration programs are critical to retaining cyclists[17][16].
Global parallels:
· Cities like Copenhagen and Seville reduced theft through secure parking and tracking systems[11][17].
· The EU links theft prevention to achieving climate targets, urging investments in monitored bike hubs[14][10].
Alignment with Global Trends
Ireland’s dual focus on digital health and cycling infrastructure reflects worldwide priorities:
1. Fitness apps: The global market hit $32.42B in 2023, driven by hybrid workouts and wearables[5][6].
2. Cycling infrastructure: Over 900 cities worldwide have adopted bike-share systems, paired with apps for route tracking[11][10].
3. Theft mitigation: Secure storage is now a pillar of urban planning, with initiatives like London’s BikeLink hubs reducing theft by 30%[13][17].
Conclusion
Ireland’s health app growth and cycling investments position it as a leader in sustainable wellness. However, addressing bicycle theft through secure infrastructure is essential to sustain progress. By integrating app-based tracking with theft-resistant cycling networks, Ireland can align with global best practices, fostering a healthier, greener future.
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1. https://sensortower.com/blog/2024-q3-unified-top-5-health and fitness-units-ie-600af518241bc16eb8dce802
2. https://sensortower.com/blog/2024-q3-unified-top-5-health and fitness-revenue-ie-600af518241bc16eb8dce802
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