Seven midlands schools were involved in the research.
The number of students who start drinking alcohol increases significantly between 2nd and 3rd year, according to a new study.
Research from Maynooth University found 60 percent of students didn't try alcohol from 1st and 2nd year, but this dropped by 17 percent a year later.
Seven midlands schools were among the 19 surveyed over a three year period.
Professor Sinead McGilloway from Maynooth University, who carried out the study, says some students started seeing the negative impacts of excess drinking:
Schools involved:
Westmeath: Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone, and Marist College, Athlone.
Laois: St Mary’s CBS, Portlaoise, and Coláiste Chluain na Slí.
Offaly: Ard Scoil Ciarain, Clara, Gallen Community School, Ferbane, and St Brendan’s Community School, Birr.
Local Authority Looking At Double Bypass For Laois Town
HSS Hire Owner Underlines Future Security Following Multi-Million Euro Sale
Offaly's Finest Will Be Celebrated This Weekend
Athlone Castle Gets €1.8m In Funding
Laois Senator Holding Endometriosis Awareness Event
Mother Of Stillborn Baby Campaigning To Encourage Women To Advocate For Their Own Bodies
Electric Picnic Introduce Campsite Pre-Booking Options
Funeral Of Westmeath Woman Who Died Following Cork Crash Taking Place Today
Rare And Antique Books Headline Offaly Bookfair
Westmeath Town Lined Up For Substantial Water Network Upgrade
Funeral Of Former Laois GAA Manager Mick O'Dwyer To Take Place Tomorrow
LOETB Recognised In National Excellence Awards
Laois TD Proposes Regulations For Wind Farm Developments
Mental Health Charity Wants Social Media Giants Support For New Catfishing Law
Laois Integration Network Set To Appoint New Chair
Laois Still Waiting On Joint Policing Commission Replacement
Man Charged Over Westmeath Assaults
Laois Butcher Takes Home Best Chicken Prize At 'Butchers Olympics'
Court Hears Dublin Man Accused Westmeath Councillor Of Being Antifa Operative
Laois Man Sells Plant & Tool Hire Company For €31m