Seven in 10 young people in Ireland are considering emigrating in search of a better quality of life, according to new research commissioned by the National Youth Council of Ireland. The findings place housing, the cost of living and access to secure employment at the centre of growing concern about the future facing people under 25.
Key findings from the youth survey
The Red C survey of 1,010 people aged 18 to 24 found that 68 per cent are considering leaving the Republic of Ireland. A further 71 per cent said they believed their quality of life would improve if they moved abroad.
- 68 per cent of respondents are considering emigrating.
- 71 per cent believe they could enjoy a better quality of life overseas.
- Nine in 10 say finding secure, well-paid work is becoming more difficult.
- Nine in 10 say rising living costs have affected them negatively.
- 89 per cent believe the housing crisis disproportionately affects young people.
The results show that emigration is not being viewed solely as an opportunity for travel or career experience. For many respondents, leaving Ireland is being considered as a response to difficulties securing a home, managing everyday expenses and building financial independence.
Housing and cost of living drive Ireland emigration concerns
Housing affordability remains the primary concern identified in the research. High rents, limited availability and the difficulty of moving from rented accommodation into home ownership have made it harder for many young adults to plan for the future.
The survey also found that the cost of living is having a widespread effect. Respondents highlighted pressure from everyday expenses, including transport and education costs. These challenges can limit the ability of young people to save, pursue further study or establish independent households.
Employment concerns have also increased significantly compared with previous years. While Ireland continues to have demand in several sectors, the survey suggests that young people are particularly concerned about whether available jobs offer reliable income, security and a realistic path towards long-term stability.
Read More
Follow the latest Ireland News and public policy developments at DailyDigest.ie.
What the latest Irish News survey says about emigration
The latest findings continue a pattern identified in earlier National Youth Council research. A survey published last year found that 62 per cent of under-25s were considering moving abroad for a better quality of life. In 2024, the corresponding figure was 72 per cent.
The change between individual surveys should be interpreted carefully, but the figures consistently point to substantial dissatisfaction among young adults. The latest result indicates that the prospect of emigration remains a major issue in Ireland Today, particularly among people trying to secure housing and work at the beginning of their adult lives.
Central Statistics Office figures provide wider context. An estimated 62,500 people emigrated from the State in the 12 months to April, with 19,900 of them—32 per cent—aged between 15 and 24.
Why the findings matter for Irish Government policy
The National Youth Council of Ireland said the figures should be treated as a warning ahead of Budget 2027. Its policy priorities include action on youth homelessness, the effect of the cost of living on young people and the price of education.
Grace McManus, the council’s policy and campaigns manager, said the results showed that many young people felt the opportunity to build a secure and independent life was becoming increasingly difficult. She argued that emigration should not be dismissed as merely a lifestyle preference when so many young adults are considering it because of domestic pressures.
The policy debate now focuses on whether measures in the next budget can address the conditions influencing these decisions. Areas likely to remain under scrutiny include:
- Access to affordable and secure housing.
- Support for young people experiencing homelessness.
- Education and training costs.
- Availability of secure, well-paid jobs.
- Transport and other essential household expenses.
Young people face pressure beyond housing
Although housing was the dominant concern, respondents also identified mental health difficulties and transport costs. These pressures can reinforce one another: expensive travel can restrict access to work or education, while financial insecurity can contribute to stress and affect wellbeing.
The survey does not suggest that every young person intends to leave permanently. Some may be considering a temporary move for work, study or personal experience. However, the scale of the response indicates that international mobility is increasingly linked to whether young people believe they can achieve independence in Ireland.
What happens next?
The youth council is expected to continue pressing the Government ahead of Budget 2027. The survey results add to wider Ireland Headlines about housing, affordability and the ability of younger generations to establish secure lives.
Further debate will centre on whether policy changes can improve conditions quickly enough to influence decisions about leaving. For young people already considering emigration, the practical questions are likely to remain immediate: where they can afford to live, whether work offers stability and how much of their income will be consumed by basic costs.
Frequently asked questions
How many young people are considering emigrating?
The survey found that 68 per cent of people aged 18 to 24 are considering leaving the Republic of Ireland.
Why are young people considering leaving Ireland?
The main concerns are housing affordability, the cost of living and access to secure, well-paid employment. Transport costs and mental health difficulties were also identified.
How many young people emigrated in the latest CSO figures?
Of the estimated 62,500 people who emigrated in the 12 months to April, approximately 19,900 were aged between 15 and 24.
Conclusion
This Breaking News survey presents a clear challenge for policymakers: young people are not simply weighing the attractions of life abroad; many are questioning whether they can afford a secure future at home. Until housing, living costs and employment stability improve, Breaking News about youth emigration will remain central to Ireland’s national conversation.
