The Central Statistics Office’s recent population data reveals remarkable growth, with nearly an additional 100,000 residents in the state recorded in the year until April, bringing the population to 5.38 million. A fifth of this surge is attributable to the natural population climb from births outpacing deaths, while immigration being significantly higher than emigration accounted for the remaining portion.
These statistics highlight the economic and social challenges, as well as the primary points of political dispute facing Ireland. The central problem across several sectors such as housing, health, education, and childcare is the population’s escalating size. Immigration is the most contentious issue of all and is the main driver of the growing population. Last year, it reached a 17-year high of 149,200 people.
Net migration, the difference between the number of people leaving and moving to the country, has always had a significant impact on the Irish population, typically driven by economic circumstances. Lately, two noticeable changes have occurred. Firstly, the economic boom since 2015 has escalated inbound migration. Secondly, the number of people seeking refuge from other countries, particularly a large group from Ukraine, has surged.
These matters share a connection since both can be linked to Ireland’s evolution into a more affluent nation. However, they also significantly differ. The motivations of an expatriate migrating to work, for instance, in the health sector or a tech firm, vary considerably from a refugee from Africa or someone escaping war in Ukraine.
The majority of immigrants in Ireland are employed and contribute to the tax system; non-Irish citizens constitute one in five workers. Those seeking refuge from crises in their home nations require appropriate housing and a clear legal procedure to determine their eligibility to stay. Eventually, some of these individuals will also become part of the workforce.
Clearly, immigration presents distinct yet significant problems. We must address the issue of individuals seeking refuge or asylum with a balance of systematisation, regulations, and equitable procedures, all while honouring Ireland’s global obligations. On the flip side, those immigrating for employment purposes bring a different set of considerations. Both aspects however play into the broader strain on housing and amenities, however each is strikingly different in its essence.
At the heart of it, urgent, societal and economic concerns prevail, underscored by the increasing demand to construct additional accommodation and augment government provision to cater to the growing populace. This calls for a significant task of national strategising, which should stem from an accurate comprehension of the current scenario as opposed to a vague notion of immigration control. Our country’s economic growth and societal advancements fundamentally hinge on our receptivity. To lose sight of this would be a grave error.