Reference metadata describe statistical concepts and methodologies used for the collection and generation of data. They provide information on data quality and, since they are strongly content-oriented, assist users in interpreting the data. Reference metadata, unlike structural metadata, can be decoupled from the data.
The Central Statistics Office, Ardee Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06FX52, Ireland
1.6. Contact email address
Confidential because of GDPR
1.7. Contact phone number
Confidential because of GDPR
1.8. Contact fax number
Confidential because of GDPR
2.1. Metadata last certified
24 April 2025
2.2. Metadata last posted
24 April 2025
2.3. Metadata last update
24 April 2025
3.1. Data description
Table A: Domestic Extraction
Table B: Imports - Total Trade
Table D: Exports - Total Trade
Table F: Domestic Processed Output
Table G: Balancing Items
3.2. Classification system
The Combined Nomenclature is used in the compilation of trade statistics used in Material Flow Accounts and the PRODCOM classification is used in the compilation of data on the domestic extraction of non-metallic minerals.
3.3. Coverage - sector
All sectors in Ireland
3.4. Statistical concepts and definitions
Economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) provide an aggregate overview, in thousand tonnes per year, of the material flows into and out of an economy. EW-MFA cover solid, gaseous, and liquid materials, except for bulk flows of water and air. Like the system of national accounts, EW-MFA constitute a multi-purpose information system. The detailed material flows provide a rich empirical database for numerous analytical purposes.
Further, EW-MFA are used to derive various material flow indicators.
3.5. Statistical unit
Thousand tonnes
3.6. Statistical population
EW-MFA include all materials (excluding water and air) crossing the system boundary of the national economy of the reporting country. The economy is demarcated by the conventions of the national accounting system (resident units). In Eurostat's EW-MFA material inputs to the economy cover extractions of natural resources (excluding water and air) from the natural environment and imports of material products (goods) from the rest of the world economy (ROW). Material outputs are disposals of materials to the natural environment and exports of material products and waste to the Rest of the World.
3.7. Reference area
State
3.8. Coverage - Time
1994-2023
3.8.1. Coverage – Time: by questionnaire table
Questionnaire table
From (YEAR)
To (YEAR)
Comments
Domestic extraction (Table A)
1994
2023
mandatory reporting
Imports – Total trade (Table B)
1994
2023
mandatory reporting
Exports – Total trade (Table D)
1994
2023
mandatory reporting
Domestic processed output (Table F)
1994
2023
voluntary reporting
Balancing items (Table G)
1994
2023
voluntary reporting
Material flow accounts in raw material equivalents (RME) (Table I)
not reported
not reported
voluntary reporting
3.9. Base period
Not applicable because EW-MFA are not reported as indices.
Thousand tonnes
2023
6.1. Institutional Mandate - legal acts and other agreements
Economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) are legally covered by Regulation (EU) 691/2011 on European Environmental Economic Accounts
6.2. Institutional Mandate - data sharing
Data sharing is governed by the 1993 Statistics Act
7.1. Confidentiality - policy
All information supplied to the CSO is treated as strictly confidential. The Statistics Act, 1993 sets stringent confidentiality standards: Information collected may be used only for statistical purposes, and no details that might be related to an identifiable person or business undertaking may be divulged to any other government department or body. These national statistical confidentiality provisions are reinforced by the following EU legislation: Council Regulation (EC) No 223/2009 on European statistics for data collected for EU statistical purposes. Further details are outlined in the CSO's Code of Practice on Statistical Confidentiality.
Confidential data can be identified based on the number or dominance of individual enterprises. Confidential data are flagged '(c)' and not published
8.1. Release calendar
The date of dissemination of all statistics released by CSO can be found in the Release Calendar published in CSO.ie. This calendar is regularly updated. The deadline for the annual EW-MFA questionnaire is April 30th (T + 16 months). After validation the gap-filled data are published in Eurostat's online database around June T+18 months).
8.2. Release calendar access
The release calendar can be accessed via the CSO website, www.cso.ie, or directly from this website: Release calendar.
8.3. Release policy - user access
In accordance with Principle 6 of the European Statistics Code of Practice all users of CSO statistics have equal access via the CSO website at the same time of 11 AM. Any privileged pre-release access to any outside user is limited, controlled and publicised. In the event that leaks occur, pre-release arrangements are revised so as to ensure impartiality.
The CSO recognises that in very limited circumstances a business need for pre-release access may be substantiated. Any form of pre-release access is a privilege and a strict CSO pre-release access policy is adhered to for these special requests. The full pre-release access policy can be accessed at CSO website release access.
Annual
10.1. Dissemination format - News release
No news releases are issued.
10.2. Dissemination format - Publications
The results are available on the Eurostat and CSO websites
10.3. Dissemination format - online database
Selected extracts from the results are posted on the CSO’s data dissemination database, available at this website.
Eurostat Material Flow Accounts tables are posted on the Eurostat data dissemination database at this website.
10.3.1. Data tables - consultations
There were approximately 750 views of the online national Material Flow Accounts on the CSO website between January and June 2024.
10.4. Dissemination format - microdata access
Micro data are not disseminated to users.
10.5. Dissemination format - other
Not applicable
10.5.1. Metadata - consultations
Not measured.
10.6. Documentation on methodology
The estimation process is based on the methodology set out in the 2018 Eurostat publication, “Economy-Wide Material Flow Accounts Handbook” and earlier Eurostat Manuals.
Quality Management Framework The CSO avails of an office wide Quality Management Framework (QMF). This framework allows all CSO processes and outputs to meet the required standard as set out in the European Statistics Code of Practice (ESCOP). The QMF foundations are based on establishing the UNECE’s Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM) as the operating statistical production model to achieve a standardised approach to Quality Management. All and any changes implemented to CSO processes and outputs require adherence to the QMF. To ensure quality of EW-MFA data The CSO implements the following quality assurance elements: 1) Methodological guidelines from Eurostat to assist countries in compiling and providing internationally harmonised EW-MFA; 2) A wide range of validation procedures to check the quality of data received. The validation procedures check: • completeness • internal consistency; • correctness of footnotes and confidentiality; • plausibility of reported time series (annual change rates); • plausibility of revisions; • external consistency (cross-domain plausibility); • And use of estimation tools contained in the EW-MFA Questionnaire. 3) Gap-filling of missing statistical information.
11.2. Quality management - assessment
Quality management is good. Validation procedures, estimation of missing statistical data (gap-filling) and quality reporting are in place.
Data quality been improved, in particular for some quantitatively important elements which need to be estimated (e.g. fodder crops, grazed biomass, crushed rock extraction, sand and gravel extraction. A new method based on Eurostat guidance was applied this year to generate data on fodder crops and grazed biomass which should have improved the quality of these statistics (but entail a significant revision to data generated in previous years). However, Straw figures are still calculated using Eurostat Harvest and Recovery factors while Sod Peat (2012-2023) and Peat for Horticulture (1994-2023) remain subjects of concern with further improvements required.
12.1. Relevance - User Needs
Eurostat is the main international user of Material Flow Account statistics. They use the data for measuring environmental sustainability, resource productivity, material footprints and the circular economy.
National users of Material Flow Accounts statistics include environmental organisations, policy makers in government departments, the media, educational institutions and the general public.
12.2. Relevance - User Satisfaction
There are no systematic studies of user satisfaction.
12.3. Completeness
See Section 12.3.1 below.
12.3.1. Data completeness - rate
Data are complete for tables A-H in the Eurostat EW-MFA Questionnaire. However, no information on Raw Material Equivalents (Table I) have been calculated.
13.1. Accuracy - overall
EW-MFA are compiled from a wide range of data sources. The overall accuracy is considered good. But there may have been problems with the accuracy of data on Straw, Fodder Crops and Grazed Biomass in previous years. New methodologies were applied this year for Fodder Crops and Grazed Biomass, which entail a significant revision to previous year’s figures, but which should improve data accuracy for these categories. There may also a problem with the accuracy of data on the extraction of Crushed Rock and Sand and Gravel, which are based on PRODCOM data supplemented with data from based on road transport freight. Sod Peat figures have been imputed by the SEAI for 2012-2023 and Peat for Horticulture figures have also been imputed for 1994-2023.
13.2. Sampling error
Not applicable because data are not based on a sample survey.
13.2.1. Sampling error - indicators
Not applicable.
13.3. Non-sampling error
Not applicable.
13.3.1. Coverage error
Not applicable.
13.3.1.1. Over-coverage - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.1.2. Common units - proportion
Not applicable.
13.3.2. Measurement error
Not applicable.
13.3.3. Non response error
Not applicable.
13.3.3.1. Unit non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.3.2. Item non-response - rate
Not applicable.
13.3.4. Processing error
Not applicable.
13.3.5. Model assumption error
Not applicable.
14.1. Timeliness
Material Flow Accounts are submitted to Eurostat within 16 months of the end of the year to which the figures relate as required by the EU Regulation 691/2011. They are also published on the CSO website
14.1.1. Time lag - first result
Material Flow Accounts are submitted to Eurostat within 16 months of the end of the reference year
14.1.2. Time lag - final result
Eurostat publishes the final Material Flow Accounts results in t+18 months after the reference year.
14.2. Punctuality
See Section 14.2.1 below.
14.2.1. Punctuality - delivery and publication
The CSO sent the 2023 MFA Questionnaire to Eurostat before April 30th 2025, meeting the Eurostat target date.
15.1. Comparability - geographical
The accounts are compiled in line with Eurostat guidelines in so far as this is possible. They can therefore be considered methodologically sound, and as they are compiled annually in a consistent manner, they are comparable over time. A limitation with regard to comparability between countries is that some of the data received from the EPA on air emissions refers to emissions produced in Ireland (territorial emissions), whereas a record of residential emissions is requested by Eurostat.
15.1.1. Asymmetry for mirror flow statistics - coefficient
Not applicable because physical imports and exports as recorded in EW-MFA are not specified by origin and/or destination.
15.2. Comparability - over time
See Section 15.2.1 below.
15.2.1. Length of comparable time series
There are discontinuities in some categories over time, such as fertilisers in Dissipative Use of Products in Table F
15.2.1.1. Comparability - over time detailed
Year (of the break in series)
Table
MF-code(s)
Reason for 'break in time series'
2015
Table A Wood
Biomass
New CSO survey introduced to collect data.
2005 and 2007
Table A Fisheries
Biomass
Different definitions used in source data.
2012
Table A
Peat Production
Horticultural Peat figures have been imputed for 1994-2023 and Sod Peat from 2012-2023.
2000 and 2022
Table F
Air Emissions
Residence Principle applied by Eurostat for 2000-2023.
15.3. Coherence - cross domain
Cross domain checks are carried out where possible. For example, total aggregates data for Crushed Rock and Sand and Gravel are taken from PRODCOM figures and cross-checked with Road Transport Freight data.
15.3.1. Coherence - sub annual and annual statistics
Not applicable; reported EW-MFA data are only annual.
15.3.2. Coherence - National Accounts
The data are coherent with national accounts and environmental-economic accounts.
15.4. Coherence - internal
The internal coherence is very high, ensured by the accounting framework.
Compilation of the 2023 MFA Questionnaire and 2023 MFA national release will have taken six month’s work by one Statistician, a month’s work by one Senior Statistician, and one month’s work by another member of the CSO Environment Division when the task is completed.
17.1. Data revision - policy
Revisions refer to changes made to published statistical data when the information used in its production has been updated or corrected. This information includes all data used in compiling the statistic e.g. respondent data, administrative data, weights and factors, methodology, classifications, definitions, modifications to survey questionnaires, survey scope and data collection methods.
The data revision policy that CSO statistics adheres to can be found via the following website: Treatment of revisions.
17.2. Data revision - practice
Data are revised on an annual basis as corrections and revisions to the figures are applied. In particular:
Fodder crop figures (MF1.2.2.1) were revised this year using a new methodology for silage and hay. The areas under grass silage and hay were taken from the National Farm Survey conducted by Teagasc and multiplied by Teagasc yield factors to generate figures in wet weight. These figures were then grossed using Census of Agriculture data and converted into dry weight at the 15% moisture content using a formula recommended by Eurostat.
Grazed Biomass figures (MF1.2.2.2) were also revised this year based on the application of Teagasc area data from the National Farm Survey. These figures are then grossed using the Census of Agriculture and converted into dry weight data at 15% moisture content, using a formula recommended by Eurostat.
Crushed Rock figures (MF3.6) were revised this year through the application of different grossing factors from the Road Freight Survey.
17.2.1. Data revision - average size
Not known
18.1. Source data
See 18.1 below.
18.1.1. Source data - Table A, B, D, F and G
Data sources used in Ireland include other divisions in the CSO; the Environmental Protection Agency, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland; the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Bord na Móna, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, the Sea Fisheries Protection Authority, and individual enterprises.
18.1.2. Source data - Table I
We do not compile Table I of the EW-MFA Questionnaire yet.
18.2. Frequency of data collection
Data are collected annually.
18.3. Data collection
No survey data are used in the data collection process for compiling the Material Flow Accounts. Administrative data are used instead.
18.4. Data validation
The CSO uses the EW-MFA Compilation Guidelines published by Eurostat and consults Eurostat about any significant errors, anomalies or uncertainties in the data.
Excel data is checked against output data generated by SAS programs.
Nation-specific conversion factors rather than European wide ones are applied where possible (e.g. in the calculation of Fodder Crops, Grazed Biomass and Wood). European conversion factors taken from the Eurostat Manuals; missing data are imputed; proxy variables are examined; and relevant reports are consulted to consider the plausibility of our figures.
18.5. Data compilation
The following issues connected with data compilation in the MFA release should be noted:
Straw figures have been calculated using Eurostat Harvest and Recovery Factors.
A new method has also been applied in the calculation of Fodder Crops. This method entails using Teagasc area and yield data from the National Farm Survey; grossing based on the Census of Agriculture; and a formula to convert wet weight into dry weight at 15% moisture content.
The compilation of Grazed Biomass figures has also been revised this year. Teagasc area figures have been multiplied by national yield factors; grossed using data from the Census of Agriculture; and then converted into dry weight at 15% moisture content using a formula recommended by Eurostat.
Wood figures are calculated using national factors to convert wood from wet to dry weight rather than those contained in the Eurostat Manual.
Both Crushed Rock and Sand and Gravel figures in Table A are based on PRODCOM data supplemented by Road Freight transport data rather than the calculation tools in the Eurostat Questionnaire.
Sod Peat and Peat for Horticulture figures in Table A are imputed for several years.
Emissions to Air: Figures in Table F are based on the application of the Territorial Principle rather than the Residence Principle as requested by Eurostat. This is because there is no continuous time series available for correcting air emissions based on the Residence Principle.
18.5.1. Imputation - rate
Not calculated.
18.5.2. Estimation approaches for specific items
Estimation Approaches for Specific Items
Estimation Methods
Code
Label
Do you use the Eurostat estimation approach recommended in the EW-MFA compilation Guide? (yes/no)
Have you developed your own estimation approach (yes/no)
Please explain briefly the estimation approach including possible data sources for auxiliary data?
Please specify coefficients used (if not Eurostat coefficients)
Table A MF1.2.1.1
Straw
No
Yes
Cereal production figures are supplied by CSO Agriculture Division are transformed into Straw figures by the application of Eurostat Harvest and Recovery Rates.
Table A MF1.2.1.2
Other Crop Residues
Yes
No
Sugar Beet and Oilseed Rape l production figures are supplied by CSO Agriculture Division. These are then transformed into Used Crop Residue figures by the application of Eurostat Harvest and Recovery Rates.
Table A: MF 1.2.2.1
Fodder Crops
No
Yes
Area figures for Silage and Hay Fodder Crops are supplied by Teagasc and transformed into wet weights using Teagasc yield factors and grossing, based on the Census of Agriculture. Wet weight figures are then converted into dry weight figures at 15% moisture content using a formula recommended by Eurostat.
Other Fodder crops use CSO area and yield factors before been converted into dry weight matter at 15% moisture content using a formula recommended by Eurostat.
Table A: MF1.2.2.2
Grazed Biomass
No
Yes
Area data taken from Teagasc are multiplied by national yield factors supplied by the CSO. They are then grossed using data from the Census of Agriculture before being converted into dry weight figures at 15% moisture content using a formula recommended by Eurostat.
Table A: MF 1.3
Wood
No
Yes
National factors are used to convert wood from wet weight to dry weight rather than Eurostat factors contained in the Eurostat Manual
Table A: MF 2.2.3
Lead
No
Yes
Metals data are provided by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. Lead and Zinc are mined in Ireland as coupled production. Gross Ores are allocated to the two metals using relative volume weights for metal content rather than relative value weights as used previously.
Table A: MF2.2.4
Zinc
No
Yes
Metals data are provided by the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications. Lead and Zinc are mined in Ireland as coupled production. Gross Ores are allocated to the two metals using relative volume weights for metal content rather than relative value weights as used previously.
Table A: MF3.6
Crushed Rock
No
Yes
Crushed Rock figures are compiled using PRODCOM and Road Freight Survey Transport Data concerning the delivery of goods to road works and building sites
Table A; MF3.8
Sand and Gravel
No
Yes
Sand and Gravel figures are compiled using PRODCOM and Road Freight Survey Transport Data concerning the delivery of goods to road works and building sites
Table A: MF4.1.4
Peat
No
Yes
Peat for Combustion figures are provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. Peat for Horticulture figures are compiled using PRODCOM and Trade data for individual enterprises.
Table F: MF7.1
Emissions to Air
No
Yes
Air Emission figures are calculated based on the Territorial Principle rather than the Residence Principle.
18.5.3. Adjustment used of correspondence table for Tables B and D
Not applicable.
18.5.4. Adjustment used of conversion factors for Tables B and D
Not applicable.
18.5.5. Fuel trade, residence adjustment
No residence adjustment is made for the fuel trade.
18.5.6. Significant problems
The most significant issue in compiling MFA data is the change in method used to compile Fodder Crops and Grazed Biomass figures. New Teagasc area and yield figures for Silage and Hay have been used These have been then where appropriated been grossed using Census of Agriculture figures, before being converted into dry weight at 15% moisture content. Another issue is that Sod Peat have been imputed from 2012-2023 and Horticultural Peat for the 1994-2023 period. Finally, Table F Air Emissions data is based on the Territorial Principle rather than the Residence Principle.
18.6. Adjustment
Not applicable.
18.6.1. Seasonal adjustment
Not applicable.
Table A: Domestic Extraction
Table B: Imports - Total Trade
Table D: Exports - Total Trade
Table F: Domestic Processed Output
Table G: Balancing Items
24 April 2025
Economy-wide material flow accounts (EW-MFA) provide an aggregate overview, in thousand tonnes per year, of the material flows into and out of an economy. EW-MFA cover solid, gaseous, and liquid materials, except for bulk flows of water and air. Like the system of national accounts, EW-MFA constitute a multi-purpose information system. The detailed material flows provide a rich empirical database for numerous analytical purposes.
Further, EW-MFA are used to derive various material flow indicators.
Thousand tonnes
EW-MFA include all materials (excluding water and air) crossing the system boundary of the national economy of the reporting country. The economy is demarcated by the conventions of the national accounting system (resident units). In Eurostat's EW-MFA material inputs to the economy cover extractions of natural resources (excluding water and air) from the natural environment and imports of material products (goods) from the rest of the world economy (ROW). Material outputs are disposals of materials to the natural environment and exports of material products and waste to the Rest of the World.
State
2023
EW-MFA are compiled from a wide range of data sources. The overall accuracy is considered good. But there may have been problems with the accuracy of data on Straw, Fodder Crops and Grazed Biomass in previous years. New methodologies were applied this year for Fodder Crops and Grazed Biomass, which entail a significant revision to previous year’s figures, but which should improve data accuracy for these categories. There may also a problem with the accuracy of data on the extraction of Crushed Rock and Sand and Gravel, which are based on PRODCOM data supplemented with data from based on road transport freight. Sod Peat figures have been imputed by the SEAI for 2012-2023 and Peat for Horticulture figures have also been imputed for 1994-2023.
Thousand tonnes
The following issues connected with data compilation in the MFA release should be noted:
Straw figures have been calculated using Eurostat Harvest and Recovery Factors.
A new method has also been applied in the calculation of Fodder Crops. This method entails using Teagasc area and yield data from the National Farm Survey; grossing based on the Census of Agriculture; and a formula to convert wet weight into dry weight at 15% moisture content.
The compilation of Grazed Biomass figures has also been revised this year. Teagasc area figures have been multiplied by national yield factors; grossed using data from the Census of Agriculture; and then converted into dry weight at 15% moisture content using a formula recommended by Eurostat.
Wood figures are calculated using national factors to convert wood from wet to dry weight rather than those contained in the Eurostat Manual.
Both Crushed Rock and Sand and Gravel figures in Table A are based on PRODCOM data supplemented by Road Freight transport data rather than the calculation tools in the Eurostat Questionnaire.
Sod Peat and Peat for Horticulture figures in Table A are imputed for several years.
Emissions to Air: Figures in Table F are based on the application of the Territorial Principle rather than the Residence Principle as requested by Eurostat. This is because there is no continuous time series available for correcting air emissions based on the Residence Principle.
See 18.1 below.
Annual
Material Flow Accounts are submitted to Eurostat within 16 months of the end of the year to which the figures relate as required by the EU Regulation 691/2011. They are also published on the CSO website
The accounts are compiled in line with Eurostat guidelines in so far as this is possible. They can therefore be considered methodologically sound, and as they are compiled annually in a consistent manner, they are comparable over time. A limitation with regard to comparability between countries is that some of the data received from the EPA on air emissions refers to emissions produced in Ireland (territorial emissions), whereas a record of residential emissions is requested by Eurostat.
