Ireland’s Population Sees Largest 12-Month Surge Since 2008, According to April 2024 Data
Dublin: The Taoiseach has emphasised the need for improved planning to accommodate Ireland’s growing population. In the 12 months leading up to April 2024, nearly 150,000 people immigrated to Ireland, marking the highest immigration rate in 17 years. This influx contributed to a population increase of 98,700, the largest annual rise since 2008, bringing the total population to approximately 5.38 million.
The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicate diverse origins of new arrivals: 30,000 were returning Irish citizens, 27,000 were from other EU countries, 5,400 from the UK, and 86,800 from other nations, including Ukraine. During the same period, emigration also rose, with 69,900 people leaving Ireland, the highest number since 2015.
Addressing the changes, the Taoiseach, speaking from Paris, acknowledged the benefits of immigration for Ireland’s workforce but highlighted the need for strategic investments in public services and infrastructure to support the growing population. He noted that many immigrants, including returning Irish citizens, are contributing to the labour market and community life in Ireland.
CSO data also showed a significant increase in migration to Australia and the UK, reflecting shifting patterns of movement. Meanwhile, the population of Dublin grew to 1.53 million, representing 28.5% of Ireland’s total population. The ageing demographic also showed an increase, with those aged 65 and over now constituting 15.5% of the population, up from 13.8% in 2018. Conversely, the proportion of children aged 0–14 decreased slightly.
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