Three out of five individuals under the age of 25 are contemplating emigrating, with nearly one in three seriously considering leaving Ireland in search of a better standard of living abroad, reports Breaking News.
These findings come from new research by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), which also highlights that housing and rent are the biggest cost-of-living challenges for young people.
A survey carried out by RED C on behalf of NYCI reveals that more than 80 per cent (82%) of 18–24 year-olds say they have been negatively affected by rising living expenses, reports Breaking News.
The research found that 84 per cent of participants believe the housing crisis has an especially severe impact on their age group, while 94 per cent of full-time students identify rent and housing as significant financial stressors.
Beyond housing issues, the survey shows that those under 25 also struggle with education costs (60%), grocery and everyday essentials (47%), and healthcare expenses (26%), reports Breaking News.
A total of 81 per cent of young people say they are worried about what lies ahead, and two-thirds think they could enjoy a better quality of life in another country.
The NYCI said the data “reflect a growing sense of disillusionment and urgency”, reports Breaking News.
Kathryn Walsh, NYCI’s Director of Policy, stated: “This isn’t just about hardship – it’s about young people feeling like Ireland is no longer a place where they can build a future. We need Budget 2026 to be a turning point.
“Young people are facing financial pressures across the board. We must stop penalising them for their age. Equalising welfare rates and abolishing sub-minimum wages are not just economic measures – they are statements of fairness,” reports Breaking News.
Additional findings from the survey show that:
70 per cent of people across all age brackets agree that younger generations are being hit harder by rising costs;
79 per cent believe the Government is falling short in its support for young people;
Only 13 per cent feel the needs of youth are being properly addressed.
“We cannot assume that all young people have family support to fall back on. Marginalised groups – Travellers, migrants, disabled youth, LGBTQIA+ young people, and those in disadvantaged communities – are especially vulnerable. They need targeted supports, not assumptions,” Walsh said, reports Breaking News.
In its 2026 pre-budget submission, the NYCI is calling for action to “address youth cost-of-living pressures and restore hope for young people”, reports Breaking News.
Among its proposals are:
- Equalising Jobseeker’s Allowance rates for those under 25;
- Eliminating sub-minimum wages for younger workers;
- Allocating dedicated funding for a new Youth Homelessness Strategy to launch in January 2026;
- Boosting youth mental health services via the HSE Action Plan;
- Making permanent reductions to third-level education fees and ending fees for apprentices;
- Providing free public transport for people under 25.
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