The Irish Times has reported that the current wave of emigration from Ireland is slowing down, with the number of Irish people emigrating falling by 20% on last years figures.
CSO figures show that the number of Irish leaving in the year to April 2014 was 40,700 compared to 50,900 in the same period in 2012/13.
The total number of emigrants for the 12 months up to April this year was 81,900 which is down 8% on the previous year; while total immigration is up from 55,900 to 60,600.
Of course a drop of 20% while welcome, does not mean that the tide is turning on the current wave of Irish emigration caused by the recession of 2008. Furthermore with just one in five of Irish emigrants being unemployed prior to departure; along with the high proportion of students which reached 29,000; these figures suggest that the very people best placed to impact recovery continue to be the ones emigrating.
Despite a drop of 18%, Britain continues to be the destination of choice for emigrants with 17,900 making the journey. Irish in Britain CEO, Jennie McShannon said “ it was hard to see Ireland lose such talent but noted that the community in Britain welcomes the new Irish arrivals who bring their energy and enthusiasm. The plethora of Irish networks and events ensure that the experience of young Irish people is one in which they can benefit from all that Britain has to offer whilst knowing there is a community here to keep them connected, give them a home away from home experience or to support them should times get tough.”
Read the full store at the IrishTimes.com
