Statistics show a huge increase in the number of foreign immigrants to Ireland in August

The number of people arriving in Ireland from abroad has reportedly risen sharply despite restrictions in the wake of the COVID outbreak.

Figures released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that the number of people arriving in Ireland from abroad has increased by 60 per cent in the past month, despite COVID travel restrictions.

Travel within and outside the country has been limited in recent months due to the current global health crisis. Yet, the influx of people into and out of the country is astonishing.

Those arriving in the country are required to stay in the quarantine for 14 days. However, this does not apply to those from countries on the Green List. This also led to more people coming to Ireland.

In August, 3,62,600 people arrived in Ireland from abroad. It was 2,27,300 in July. August saw a 59.5% increase in the number of foreign immigrants compared to July.

There has also been an increase in the number of passengers leaving Ireland. In August, 3,28,200 people went abroad in the country. In July, it was 2,75,400.

Most people came to Ireland from the UK (1,12,600). In August, 33,600 of them arrived in Ireland from Spain, 31,700 from Poland and 27,300 from Italy.

Meanwhile, 1,25,400 people traveled to the UK last month. 23,900 traveled to Poland and 23,300 to Italy.

However, compared to August last year, traffic through Irish ports and airports was much lower.

In August 2019, more than two million people came to Ireland or left Ireland.

So far this year, 37,76,600 people have arrived in Ireland from abroad. 37,76,900 returned from the country. This is 72.7% and 72.8% less than the same period in 2019, respectively, according to CSO data.