NEW figures that reveal over 70 per cent of under-25s want to flee the country serves to highlight a stark reality that dreams are “becoming impossible to achieve”, it is claimed.
Central Statistics Office numbers show that around 62,500 people emigrated in the year up to April past and a survey found that many more could follow.
A Donegal County councillor responded to the findings to warn that the brain drain must be a wake-up call and claimed all people are saying is “give us a chance”.
Because of Ireland’s housing and cost-of-living crisis, some seven-out-of-10 people aged under 25 think emigration could provide a “better life”, according to the survey from the National Youth Council.
Councillor Joy Beard.
Inishowen Cllr Joy Beard said: “This survey should be a serious wake-up call for the Government.
When almost seven-in-10 young adults are considering leaving Ireland, and 71 per cent believe they would have a better quality of life abroad, we cannot dismiss it as young people simply wanting to travel or gain experience.
“For too many young people, their hopes and plans for the future they want to live are becoming impossible to achieve.
“They are working hard, studying, training and doing everything asked of them, yet they cannot find affordable housing, cannot save for a deposit, and are facing rent, bills, transport and everyday costs that keep rising.
“The findings are stark: young people are worried about secure, well-paid employment, the cost of living, housing, transport and their mental health.
“That should concern every one of us.
“Ireland cannot continue to educate, train and raise a generation of talented young people that we need here only for them to believe their best chance of a secure life lies elsewhere.
“Our towns and communities feel that loss deeply when sons, daughters, siblings and friends leave because they see no realistic route to a home and a decent standard of living here.
“We need real action. That means building genuinely affordable homes, tackling extortionate rents and living costs, ensuring secure and properly paid work, improving public transport, and giving young people confidence that they can plan a future in their own country.”
Cllr Beard of the 100% Redress Party added: “Young people are not asking for the impossible.
“They are asking for a fair chance: the chance to work, live independently, have a home, raise a family if they choose, and remain close to the people and places they love.”