Majority of young adults considering emigration due to cost-of-living pressures

"A poll the NYCI commissioned from Red C found four in five young people feel negatively affected by rising costs. Three in five under-25s are considering emigration, with almost one in three strongly considering leaving Ireland to seek a better quality of life abroad. NYCI director of policy and advocacy Kathryn Walsh said: "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." The housing crisis has left many young adults at breaking point, the youth organisation said. Eight out of 10 respondents said it was affecting them disproportionately - an increase from last year."

"Among full-time students, 94pc cite rent and accommodation as a financial burden. These responses support NYCI's call for dedicated funding for a new Youth Homelessness Strategy from next January. Youth homelessness has increased by 30pc since the current strategy was launched. Other financial pressure points cited by young people include education fees, the cost of groceries and daily essentials and healthcare. The research shows 70pc of the public across all age groups agree that young people are disproportionately affected by rising costs. Most believe the Government is not doing enough to support them. Only 13pc believe youth needs are being adequately addressed. Ms Walsh said: "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.""

A Red C poll for the NYCI found four in five young people feel negatively affected by rising costs and three in five under-25s are considering emigration. Rent and accommodation are identified as the single greatest financial challenge, with 94pc of full-time students citing rent as a burden. Youth homelessness has increased by 30pc since the current strategy launched. The NYCI calls for dedicated funding for a Youth Homelessness Strategy from January and urges Budget 2026 action. Public opinion shows 70pc agree young people are disproportionately affected and most say the Government is not doing enough.

Read at Irish Independent