Almost seven in ten young adults in Ireland are considering emigrating in search of a better quality of life, according to new research published today.
The latest survey, carried out by RED C for the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), found that 68 per cent of people aged between 18 and 24 are considering moving abroad.
Meanwhile, 71 per cent of young adults surveyed believe they would enjoy a better quality of life outside Ireland.
Housing, the cost of living and access to secure and well-paid employment emerged among the major concerns facing young people.
Nine in ten young adults surveyed said they believe it is becoming more difficult to find secure, well-paid work.
A similar proportion reported being negatively affected by the rising cost of living, while 89 per cent agreed that the housing crisis is having a disproportionate impact on young people.
Concerns about transport costs and mental health also featured in the findings.
The research also points to growing anxiety about the effect of artificial intelligence on employment.
More than seven in ten adults surveyed believe AI will make it more difficult for young people to secure employment over the next five years, while 83 per cent support stronger Government regulation of the technology.
Just 17 per cent of young adults surveyed believe the Government is doing enough to support them through the cost-of-living crisis.
The latest findings represent an increase in the proportion considering emigration compared with last year.
A similar NYCI survey published in 2025 found that 62 per cent of under-25s were considering moving abroad in pursuit of a better quality of life.
The new findings come against a backdrop of continued emigration from Ireland.
An estimated 62,500 people emigrated from the State in the 12 months to April, according to Central Statistics Office figures cited alongside the research. Almost 20,000 of those who left were aged between 15 and 24.
The NYCI said the latest findings demonstrate the pressures facing young adults seeking to establish independent lives in Ireland.
The organisation published the research alongside its pre-Budget submission, which includes calls for changes to Jobseeker’s Allowance, the abolition of sub-minimum wage rates for young workers and free public transport for people aged under 25.
The polling was carried out by RED C using a nationally representative sample of 1,010 adults, including respondents aged between 18 and 24.
