Understanding Immigration in Ireland
A Changing Ireland
In recent years, Ireland has experienced a marked increase in immigration. In 2023 alone, net migration rose significantly, largely driven by the humanitarian response to the war in Ukraine. More than 100,000 Ukrainian refugees have sought safety here — one of the largest movements of people into Ireland in modern history.
This is not a crisis of generosity. It's a test of foresight and humanity.
Ireland's Population: Then vs Now
In 1841, Ireland's population was over 8 million. Today, it's just over 5 million. Despite dramatic improvements in housing, healthcare, and infrastructure, we still haven't returned to pre-Famine population levels. The idea that “Ireland is full” is not only misleading — it ignores our capacity for compassion and sustainable growth.
Fossil Fuels and the War in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine is not just a geopolitical tragedy — it's also about energy and Putin's vision for a revived Soviet Union. Russia's invasion coincides with attempts to maintain control over fossil fuel exports and the strategic oil and gas reserves of Eastern Ukraine. The book Material World outlines how these resource-rich areas have long played a hidden role in global conflict.
By accelerating the shift to renewables, Ireland can help turn off the tap on Putin's petrostate, reduce our strategic dependence, and become part of the solution.
💡 Did you know?
Somebody seeking international protection has no right to claim housing supports in Ireland, has no right to HAP, has no right to access homelessness accommodation.
Someone fleeing the war in Ukraine in Ireland has no right to seek housing support, to seek HAP or to seek homelessness accommodation.
Climate, Conflict, and Forced Migration
Climate change is expected to displace tens of millions globally over the coming decades — through drought, flooding, and resource scarcity. Ireland must prepare now for a world where migration is a direct consequence of global warming. Compassionate, evidence-based policy is essential. We cannot house the world nor is anyone suggesting that. But we can do our part to lesson the burden on others in poorer parts of the world.
These are not “waves” or “invasions”. They are humans — seeking the same safety, future, and dignity we would want for our own. In some cases, men are sent overseas while the mother and children are kept at home as he seeks to better life for his family. Others simply come to better their own lives. Whilst in some cases there can be issues with integrating between cultures with different cultural norms and values, we know that a common humanity and strong education system and integration programs can be very effective in overcoming these challenges. Some people feel that these are being prioritized above and beyond the citizens who were born here. It is important to remember if you feel this way, that these people being immigrants are coming through a different system to citizens and may be accommodated in accomodation that is not deemed appropriate for a citizen. If you feel that this is unfair, it may be in certain cases, but it is certainly not the fault of immigrants who do not run or work the system.
Scapegoating and Inequality
History shows that when living standards fall and wealth inequality rises, the powerful often look for scapegoats — not solutions. Immigrants, trans people, minorities — these communities are wrongly blamed for systemic issues they didn't create.
Instead of scapegoating, we should focus on rebalancing the system.
🧠 Misinformation & Algorithms
In an age of hyperconnectivity, social media shapes our view of the world — but rarely in transparent or neutral ways.
Platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) use algorithmic feeds designed not to inform, but to hold your attention. These algorithms often prioritize emotionally charged content: fear, outrage, and confusion. They can show you:
- Graphic or disturbing videos you did not actively seek out
- Out-of-context clips or false claims without verification
- A narrow, skewed version of reality based on what gets clicks — not what's true
And don't expect to get the same content as someone who has a different race, gender, orientation, age etc... to you. This is not a personal failing — it's how the systems are designed. Social media isn't a mirror — it's a leash. The algorithm holds it. But you can cut the cord.
Fear of the unknown is a deep human instinct. But in the wrong hands, it becomes a tool of manipulation.
We all need to ask:
- Who is benefiting from the stories I'm being shown?
- Why am I seeing this now?
- Have I sought out other perspectives?
🔍 Fact-checking matters — especially when it comes to complex issues like immigration, crime, or climate. Consider looking beyond social feeds to:
🧭 Let's reclaim our ability to think critically, seek context, and question what we're shown — not just scroll past it.
Immigrants And the Economy
Immigrants work in jobs across the economy, many of them essential:
- Doctors, nurses, and care workers
- Dublin Bus and Luas drivers
- Amazon and Deliveroo delivery staff
- Supermarket and cleaning staff
- Teachers, construction workers, and IT professionals
They pay taxes, contribute to the public good, and deserve safe, secure homes just like anyone else.
The Path Forward
We need a balanced, fair immigration system rooted in dignity and human rights. We also need economic reform — to address inequality, tackle climate migration, and ensure that everyone has access to housing, education, and opportunity.
Local Impact & Fair Share
When people arrive here, they should be welcomed in a way that works for them and for the local community. That means ending the over-reliance on rural hotels, which can displace tourism, and replacing it with purpose-built reception centres and local integration plans. Done right, immigration doesn't have to be a burden — it can help fill jobs, keep schools open, and bring more life to rural Ireland. Right now, too much of the responsibility falls on small towns and socially disadvantaged whereas very little is asked of some wealthier urban areas. Every community — from rural villages to affluent city suburbs — should be incentivized to do its fair share in providing housing and integration support. This ensures we protect local economies, maintain tourism, and give new arrivals the best chance to contribute positively to Irish life.
Housing and Investment Funds
One real solution: crack down on speculative housing ownership. Large investment funds have bought up thousands of homes in Ireland. Stronger regulation — including vacancy taxes and ownership caps — can force divestment and release more housing back to communities.
Immigration is not the cause of housing scarcity. Inaction on wealth concentration and corporate speculation is.
What Other Countries Are Doing
- New Zealand banned most non-residents from buying existing homes in 2018, helping reduce speculation.
- Spain introduced permits and restrictions on foreign property ownership in tourist-heavy areas. It also announced a plan to place a 100% tax on non-EU nationals purchasing property in the country.
Housing & Community Proposals
A tax with teeth on long-term vacancy and dereliction to put empty homes back into use.
Purpose built integration centres instead of occupying hotels, invest in Community Integration Programs and cultural exchange initiatives.
Targeted tax incentives for older adults to downsize to more suitable homes.
A public housing body to oversee social and affordable housing development — not just for the poorest, but for a wide range of incomes.
Expansion of cost-rental housing, where rent is based on construction/maintenance cost, not market speculation — promoting stability and social mobility for renters, immigrants, and young Irish families alike.
Learn More
For further reading and official data, visit:
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