Dublin: Irish emigration to Australia has surged by more than 126% in the past year, reaching its highest level since 2013, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The report shows that 13,500 people left Ireland for Australia this year, compared with 4,700 last year. The spike has fuelled criticism that rising housing costs and the broader cost-of-living crisis are forcing young people abroad.
At the same time, the Australian Embassy in Dublin confirmed that as of February, 27,000 visa applications from Ireland were awaiting processing. Meanwhile, 6,400 people migrated from Australia to Ireland during the same period—a 17% decline from 7,700 in 2023.
Sinn Féin TD Mairéad Farrell said the data reflects the reality faced by young people:
“The government boasts about economic performance, but the truth is that many young people feel they have no future here. Rent is unaffordable, homeownership is out of reach, and many are still living with their parents well into their 30s. Emigration to Australia has become one of the few options left.”
Sinn Féin: “Migration Must Be Managed, Not Ignored”
Beyond emigration, Sinn Féin has also criticised what it calls the government’s “failure to manage migration effectively” in light of population growth projections. The Department of Finance expects Ireland’s population to reach 7.6 million within four decades, underscoring the need for planning.
Sinn Féin’s migration spokesperson, Matt Carthy TD, said migration brings both benefits and challenges, but successive governments have failed to plan for public services and infrastructure in housing, health, and education.
“Immigration here takes many forms—refugees, work visas, student permits—but the system is fragmented and reactive. A comprehensive migration strategy is needed. Instead, the government is leaving decisions to market forces.”
Key Priorities for Migration Policy
Carthy outlined several issues that must guide Ireland’s approach:
- Housing and Wages: Migration should be balanced against the country’s capacity to provide affordable housing and fair wages.
- Integration: Communities must have the capacity to integrate newcomers successfully.
- Health Sector: Priority should be given to attracting and retaining key workers in healthcare.
- Humanitarian Obligations: Ireland must also provide refuge for those fleeing war and persecution.
- Long-Term Planning: Annual and long-term migration levels must be calculated with social goals, not just economic pressures, in mind.
According to Carthy, Ireland’s current migration system is “market-driven and short-sighted”, leaving housing, healthcare, and education under strain. “The government cannot remain a spectator. Migration policy must be planned, controlled, and aligned with Ireland’s long-term capacity and social priorities,” he said.
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