About seven in 10 people under the age of 25 in the Republic of Ireland are considering emigrating in search of a better life, according to a new survey. The findings place housing, the cost of living and access to secure, well-paid work at the centre of growing concern among young people.
Breaking News: Young people weigh up leaving Ireland
The survey was conducted by Red C for the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), which represents voluntary youth organisations. It suggests that emigration is being considered by a large share of younger adults as they assess their prospects at home.
The result is significant because it connects personal plans with wider pressures affecting Ireland today. For many young people, the decision to move abroad is not simply about travel or adventure. It can also reflect difficulty finding affordable accommodation, managing everyday expenses and securing a stable career path.
The findings form part of the latest Ireland News concerning Ireland’s housing and affordability challenges. They also arrive as official figures show that thousands of people continue to leave the State each year.
Why are under-25s considering emigration?
Three issues were identified as key concerns in the polling:
- Housing: High rents, limited availability and the difficulty of moving into independent accommodation can make it harder for young adults to establish themselves.
- Cost of living: Everyday expenses can reduce the amount young people are able to save or spend on education, transport and social activities.
- Employment: Secure, well-paid work remains an important factor when people decide where to build their future.
These pressures can reinforce one another. A person may have employment but still struggle to afford a home near their workplace. Others may delay major life decisions, including moving out, returning to education or starting a family, because their income does not provide enough security.
Housing remains a central concern
Ireland’s housing shortage has become one of the defining issues in Irish politics and public debate. Young renters often face competition for a limited supply of homes, while prospective buyers must contend with high prices and the challenge of saving a deposit.
For those who cannot find suitable accommodation, emigration may appear to offer a faster route to independence. However, moving abroad also carries costs, including travel, relocation expenses, unfamiliar systems and the challenge of building a new support network.
The pressure of rising household expenses
The cost of living in Ireland affects decisions about work, education and where people choose to live. Rent, utilities, food, transport and childcare can all influence whether young adults believe they can achieve financial stability.
Although the survey focuses on under-25s, its implications extend to families, employers and public services. If large numbers of young people leave, communities may lose workers, volunteers and future professionals at a time when several sectors already depend on attracting and retaining talent.
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What do the latest emigration figures show?
Central Statistics Office figures cited in the report estimate that 62,500 people emigrated from the State during the 12-month period up to last April. That figure provides important context for the survey, although it does not show how many people left specifically because of housing, employment or affordability concerns.
Migration statistics include people who move abroad for different reasons. Some leave for work or study, while others join family members or seek a new lifestyle. The survey, by contrast, measures the intention to consider moving. Considering emigration does not necessarily mean a person will leave Ireland.
Why the survey matters for Ireland
The findings raise questions about Ireland’s ability to offer young people a realistic path towards independence. A healthy economy can still feel inaccessible if wages do not keep pace with housing and everyday expenses.
The issue is also relevant to the Irish Government, local authorities, education providers and employers. Responses may include:
- Increasing the supply of affordable and suitable housing.
- Supporting secure employment and career progression.
- Improving access to services that help young people manage financial pressure.
- Ensuring regional communities have opportunities beyond the largest urban areas.
Policy decisions in these areas will influence whether young people view Ireland as a place where they can build a future or as a country they may need to leave temporarily or permanently.
What happens next?
The survey does not itself set out a policy solution, and the available information does not indicate how the Government or other organisations will respond specifically to the findings. Its role is to highlight the scale of concern among under-25s.
Further debate is likely to focus on housing delivery, rental affordability, wages, public transport and access to secure work. The experiences of young people in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and smaller towns may differ, but the underlying questions are widely shared: Can young adults afford to live independently, and can they see a sustainable future in Ireland?
Frequently asked questions
How many under-25s are considering emigrating?
The survey suggests that about seven in 10 under-25s in the Republic are considering moving abroad for a better life.
Who conducted the survey?
Red C conducted the polling for the National Youth Council of Ireland, a representative body for voluntary youth organisations.
What concerns were identified?
Housing, the cost of living and access to secure, well-paid employment were identified as key concerns.
How many people emigrated from Ireland?
Central Statistics Office figures cited in the report estimate that 62,500 people emigrated from the State in the 12 months up to last April.
Conclusion
This Breaking News story highlights a serious warning about how young people view their prospects in Ireland. The survey does not mean that seven in 10 under-25s will definitely leave, but it shows that emigration is being considered by a substantial proportion of the generation facing housing pressure, high living costs and uncertainty about secure employment.
The clearest takeaway is that Ireland’s future prospects will be judged not only by economic growth, but by whether young people can afford to live, work and build independent lives here.
