Nearly 7 in 10 Young Adults Considering Emigrating from Ireland, New Poll Shows

DUBLIN — Almost seven in ten young adults in Ireland are considering moving abroad in search of a better standard of living, driven by escalating living expenses, unaffordable housing, and growing difficulty securing well-paid jobs, according to new research published Tuesday.

The survey, carried out by RED C for the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), found that 68% of 18- to 24-year-olds are weighing up emigration, with 71% stating they believe they would enjoy a better quality of life outside the country.

The findings reflect a sharp rise from previous years—up from 62% in 2025—and coincide with Central Statistics Office figures showing that roughly 62,500 people emigrated from Ireland over the past 12-month period, nearly 20,000 of whom were aged 15 to 24.

Mounting Squeeze on Independence

The survey highlights deep-seated frustration among young people trying to establish independent lives in Ireland. Nearly 90% of respondents said they have been negatively impacted by the cost-of-living crisis, while 89% agreed that the State’s chronic housing shortage disproportionately penalises younger generations.

Workplace security has also emerged as an increasingly volatile concern. Nine out of ten respondents reported that finding stable, well-compensated employment has become significantly harder. Compounding this, more than 70% of respondents voiced concern that artificial intelligence will make securing reliable work even more difficult over the next five years.

Only 17% of young adults polled believe the government is doing enough to support them through current economic headwinds.

'Not Simply a Lifestyle Choice'

Grace McManus, Policy and Campaigns Manager at the NYCI, described the survey results as a critical warning for policymakers.

"When almost seven in ten are considering leaving Ireland, we cannot dismiss this as simply a lifestyle choice," McManus said. "Young people are responding to unaffordable housing, the rising cost of everyday life and growing uncertainty about secure, well-paid work. Too many feel that the chance to build a secure and independent life is slipping out of reach."

She added that young people are not seeking special treatment, but rather "a fair chance to live independently, plan for the future, and build their own life."

Pre-Budget Demands

Published alongside the NYCI’s pre-Budget submission, the council urged ministers to deliver targeted measures in the upcoming national budget rather than expecting younger cohorts to absorb market pressures on their own.

Key recommendations submitted by the council include:

• Wage and Welfare Parity: Abolishing sub-minimum wage rates that permit lower hourly pay for younger workers, and equalising Jobseeker’s Allowance rates for under-25s.
• Transport Supports: Introducing free public transport for all residents under the age of 25 to ease transit barriers.
• Education Costs: A further €1,000 reduction in the higher education student contribution fee alongside the removal of apprenticeship registration fees.
• Housing Interventions: Expanding dedicated supported housing options, strengthening family mediation services, and funding early-intervention schemes to curb youth homelessness.

The RED C poll sampled 1,010 adults nationwide, including a dedicated cohort aged 18 to 24.