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DESPITE THE ENDLESS weeks of speculation about a polling date that came before, the General Election 2024 campaign has been quite brisk. Parties and politicians have had only a few weeks to campaign across the country, gathering support from the party faithful and hoping to catch the attention of those most elusive swing voters in the process.
Housing, healthcare and the cost of living are presenting as top election issues, as well as immigration. One cohort of voters the candidates will be unable to influence or gain votes from in this election will be the thousands of Irish adults now living abroad. In the 12 months ending in April this year, over 69,000 people emigrated from Ireland for a variety of reasons. This is the highest emigration number since 2015, according to the Central Statistics Office.
Many who leave this country do so for economic reasons, with the housing crisis and the prohibitive cost of living coming up as the main driver for their wish to find a better life. In the decades before, unemployment would have been a huge driver for emigration, but with record high employment in Ireland, many young adults in particular will say they can find the job but they cannot afford to pay the rent or buy a home in order to take up that job.
So, with polling day almost upon us, we asked our readers living abroad just what a new government in Ireland would have to do to entice them home. Was there anything in the manifestos or campaigns so far in this election that stood out for them, and if a new government is formed in the coming weeks, what would it have to do to make them reconsider their move abroad?
We’ve heard from Irish people living in Vietnam, Canada, Australia and the Middle East, and unsurprisingly, housing and the cost of living continue to be the main issues driving their decision to stay away from home.
A family living in the US with two children – ‘Energy costs’
“We moved to the US as a family two years ago. For us to come back to Ireland we would need to see taxes lowered, rents lowered and a reduction in the cost of houses. Energy costs are hugely different here, too.
“It costs us $20 a week to fill our car with fuel here. In Ireland, it was about €80-100 a week! The price of electricity using household appliances is approximately $70 a month here, while in Ireland, we were paying ridiculous amounts for electricity.”
Clare man living in Spain – ‘The cost of living’
“I have lived in two European countries in 2024; Norway and Spain. I’d be home in a heartbeat if living was affordable in Irish cities.
“Having rented in both Cork and Dublin, the cost was prohibitive for an early career civil servant such as myself. Rent in Cork City was €850; rent in Mallow, a commuter town of Cork, was €800. Both rooms were pleasant but hardly worth such sums. The rent in Dublin was €700 (relatively low as I was staying with family).
A weekly shop in Ireland was north of €40 for the essentials. Transport cost me €40/month, for transport services that were impaired by choking city traffic.
“In Spain, I pay €315/month (including bills) for my accommodation which is city centre with plenty of amenities nearby or a bullet-train ride away. A weekly shop is €15-20 including some treats. My monthly transport bill is €10 for a city travel pass. There is never delays due to traffic.
“While living at home in Clare was an option, there were limited Civil Service roles that were suitable for me. To return to Ireland, it needs to be viable to have an affordable social life while balancing a exploring professional careers. The reality of Ireland’s population of non-homeowning 20-30-year-olds needs to be addressed so that it is both possible and attractive for people of my age to return to Ireland.”
A family living in Australia with autistic son – ‘We had no services’
“The main reason we left Ireland as a family of four was the lack of health care for our Autistic non-verbal child. It’s frustrating to see the amount of money being spent on social welfare with so many people conning the system, while we as taxpayers get no support for our child.
“Next to no public appointments were available to us, meeting the paediatrician once in 3/4 years, private therapy in high demand so waitlists are 2+ years. We tried our best to make it work. We have moved to Australia where we have started therapy within the first week of being here!
“We won’t come back until there are improvements but I can’t see this happening any time soon.”
A teacher living in Melbourne – ‘Stop neglecting young people’
“Affordable housing for couples across the country. Myself and my partner will return home soon, both teachers. We know almost all jobs are in Dublin, but housing is the issue. We’d like to see affordable housing options (rent) that allow us to save to buy a house in the future. Otherwise, we’re forced to move back to our parents’ house.
“I’d also like to see an acknowledgement from the current leadership that there is a serious neglect of young people and our issues. An understanding of our upset at how things are now would reduce the disillusionment I feel towards them, and I’m tired of this government’s stance on education in particular, sweeping teachers’ issues under the rug.
“People Before Profit for me has a very promising manifesto, but it feels too ambitious. I’m not hopeful that any party can make the changes needed.”
A family living in Spain – ‘Housing, housing, housing’
“As someone who left my birth country 15 years ago and recently became a proud Irish citizen, I long to return to the country I now call home. My wife and son, both born in Ireland, share this dream. However, Ireland’s housing crisis has turned our aspiration into a near-impossible feat.
We made two attempts to buy countryside homes, both fell through. Dublin’s market is entirely out of reach.
“Now, we’re planning to purchase a derelict cow shed. It’s astounding that people must turn to such extremes to secure housing in one of the world’s wealthiest nations. The derelict home grant offers some hope, but it’s a gamble — requiring tens of thousands up front for repairs, with no guarantee of refund. Meanwhile, the middle class, too “wealthy” for assistance and too poor for inflated property prices, remains trapped—and in our case, abroad.
“To bring people like us home, Ireland must urgently make housing accessible. This means affordable rents, streamlined building regulations and drastic reforms. Incentivise downsizing, like in Singapore, to free up larger homes. Expropriate long-empty properties, refurbish them and rent them affordably. The housing crisis is an emergency. Dark times are here — action must follow, not more empty promises.”
A Dublin woman living in Jordan – ‘Fix services’
“I’m married with kids and have been away from Ireland in several countries for about 15 years. I would love to come home but struggle to see how we can overcome some of the obstacles to settling in Ireland.
Like everyone, I want to see a real change in housing as it’s almost impossible to consider coming back in the current crisis.
“I would also like to see a more coherent and proactive approach to immigration. The way it has been handled over the past decades, since the institution of direct provision, promotes distrust, a lack of cohesion and results in the negative backlash witnessed in the past year. Ireland has much to offer and much to gain from immigration but governments have failed to engage with communities correctly.
“I would love to see the infrastructure to meet the needs of the increasing population. There is much talk of the 100s of 1000s of houses that will be built but what about schools, childcare, hospitals, GPs, transport links, and internet, to ensure towns and cities across Ireland are as liveable as we would like them to be?”
A teacher living in Vietnam – ‘I was burnt out as a school principal’
“As a teacher, the education system in Ireland is a shambles. I think the failings of education are often overlooked because health and housing are such an obvious challenge for everyone. However, the lagging education system is going to cause problems further down the line.
I was a school principal before moving abroad and was in a constant cycle of stress trying to make the budget stretch to cover the cost of running the school.
“The school was ill-equipped to manage challenging behaviour with no support from external agencies. There were a lot of injuries, both staff and students, which drove the school’s insurance premium up. It ended up being higher than the entire capitation grant the school received. The curriculum is outdated and not fit for purpose and fails to cater to students with additional needs.
“Many teachers now go abroad and I wish I’d done it 15 years sooner. I was completely consumed by stress. Although my salary was what most would consider decent, as a young principal I was struggling to afford the cost of living in Dublin for my family.
“The contracts abroad are very attractive and Irish teachers are in high demand: excellent salaries, rent allowances, gym membership, health insurance for my whole family, childcare/schooling for up to 2 children as well as annual return flights to Ireland (again, for the whole family). My work-life balance is far better. It was a no-brainer for our family and I struggle to see how it can be matched in Ireland.”
Dublin teacher living in Scotland – ‘Pay, housing and childcare’
“I’m in my early 30s with a young family. The most important things for me to consider for ever moving home are public sector pay, housing and childcare. I am a teacher here and am on more money than I would be in Ireland at this stage of my career. Scotland has the best pay for teachers in the UK. I have been lucky to be able to afford a house in Glasgow way more easily than I would have in Dublin.
“I wouldn’t come home unless a house in a well-serviced suburb of Dublin becomes affordable on a teacher’s salary like it is here. I think Sinn Féin and Eoin Ó Broin offer the best chance of this happening. I think their promises such as changing the planning system and properly challenging dereliction are good policies.”
Irish woman living in France – ‘Make Ireland affordable’
“In France, I have access to an excellent health system and public transport services. I have a choice to buy and live sustainably. I have a rich social life that excludes alcohol and includes sports and craft activities – all offered by various clubs and associates in all small towns in my region.
“The next government needs to make Ireland a place affordable and livable to return to. I understand the issues at home are wicked policy problems. But frankly, the longer I stay away the less interested I am to return.”
A Dublin woman, now living in Canada – ‘Political accountability’
“What would need to change? I’d need to see a government that starts putting people first and takes responsibility for their actions.
“Shortly after moving to Canada in 2011, there was a big scandal because an MP submitted receipts for a limo and an infamous $16 glass of orange juice. She ended up apologising and resigning. I compared this to previous Irish political scandals where no one apologised, or nevermind resigned. There’s still a serious lack of accountability in Ireland – look at the cost of the National Children’s Hospital where two of the ministers responsible actually became Taoiseach.
“I believe that the largely uncritical media in Ireland allows this culture to continue. The work of alternative media in recent years has made me hopeful for accountability, but they are openly vilified by politicians for creating accountability.
“There have been many promises from different Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments over my lifetime – promises to fix the healthcare system, and the housing crisis, to take care of the more vulnerable in society, and to seriously address climate change. Yet despite great prosperity, there has been little progress. I don’t need more promises – I want to see action.
“US multinationals are put ahead of everything else – see the Apple Tax or the incredibly weak government response to the ongoing genocide in Palestine and Lebanon. Even with the prosperity these multinationals have brought, key societal issues are not being addressed.
Galway man in South Africa – ‘Stand for something’
“Right now, I can’t think of a single thing that the Irish government could do to lure me back home. Public services are a shambles. Right-wing extremists are gaining ground every day. The housing sector is so expensive that it is amazing that anyone can afford a place to live. It is a sad consequence that homelessness keeps increasing.
“If the government insists on trying to please everyone – in an effort to win votes – it just ends up pleasing nobody. Take a risk! Take a stance! Stand for something! That’s a government that would make me think about returning home.”
Irish family living in France – ‘We couldn’t live in Dublin anymore’
“We had chosen to live in Dublin City centre in a restored Georgian house close to schools, work etc and we tried to reduce our use of our car and live a fairly local lifestyle. However, very little about how Dublin City is run seemed advantageous to those who actually lived there (as opposed to those who work there or visit it).
“The streets were always dirty due to the ineffective waste management. Many events were catered towards tourists (American football, anyone?) and the city seemed to be increasingly the playground of commercial property developers who thought little of any civic obligations for those living in central Dublin. We really felt like we were just pawns for tourism and that very little consideration went into families and communities in Dublin City.
“So, while we were in the privileged position of owning a home in central Dublin and having good jobs, for us, there just wasn’t enough return on our quality of life for the amount of tax and cost of living associated with living in Dublin. You pay very high prices for everything without the associated benefits. Life is short and we wanted our family and our kids to have access to the best quality of life and lifestyle and we felt that Dublin in particular just wasn’t delivering. So we have moved to France (which has its own issues!) but we have access to brilliant resources for kids, heavily subsidised activities for children, very well-run local departments with locally administered budgets and resources. Our quality of life is significantly better here.”
Thanks to all our readers at The Journal for getting in touch.
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Ah yes of course, thats the problem, the location of the courthouse!… If the had more to be afraid of while going to the courthouse there wouldn’t be much brawling.
So has the Journal gotten to the point were we can not identify the ethnic (sic) group involved in this public disorder? I guess turning a blind eye will solve the problem
Well it wasn’t a group of 16 year old water protesters that caused that disgraceful yet too frequent scene. And the itinerant group responsible will not give a hoot. The same happened last weekend at 2am in Galway A&E it never made the news such is the frequency of these animals anti social activities. But let’s do the Irish PC thing and hide from it……
Its me culture Boss!
Love/Hate and the introduction of TVs to their culture could be part of the problem
Or the solution Eco… its time they looked at the light their lifestyle is shone upon.
Are you sure it’s not whisky Eco?
Ha my comment was deleted for saying the majority of travellers don’t contribute to this society and should get long jail stretches for these brawls. The media that fail to highlight these gurriers are travellers are pandering to paved point. Grow a pair.
Did you notice how Pavee Point failed the comment in relation the Fermanagh wedding shooting? Their silence was deafening actually. Can’t stand that hypocrisy, can’t abide that organisation.
Afaik pavee did speak on the last word. Though I’ve not listened as Matt would just give a soft interview anyway.
My issue with them is that they never strongly and forth-rightly criticise those elements in their community. Their responses always seem to be cloaked in ambiguity, with a provision that it’s somehow the fault of the media / settled community / government / funding (change as you wish)
Ahh..good ole pikies having a chat after there daily court appearance…
I live in Portlaoise, why do they want to re-invent the wheel? I have the courthouse very convenient located right at the main street in from of my favourite Pub/Restaurant so I can go have a drink after cashing in after a long day defending “Mr. Allegedly thief” and “Mrs Air Miles Traveller”
Jail the gurriers
Gurriers? Very PC there Journal. Call them what they are. Members of the travelling community and they behave like knackurs.
2nd and 3rd generation s**bags. …
and interbreeding.
Will ya stop, it’s their culture
Wonder if these are the same people who attended a wedding in Fermanagh that ended in a shooting?
Have not heard any comments or calls to move thet church to the out skirts of town.
Nope, I think they were the same crowd that beat each other unconscious with iron bars in mountmellick a while back
Ah sure it’s all a bit of craic
What a load of s**t, most courthouses are in the centre of towns, what next move all pubs and fast food outlets outside our towns in case of any trouble outside these places?
It’s the caliber of ‘clients’ not the location that’s the issue. It’s intimidating passing when the court is on. It’s a small Main Street and when the court is sitting, there is a mix of prison guards, gardai, solicitors and undesirables on the street. I’m not sure changing the location would help much, the issue would simply be moved not dealt with.
The report lacks much of the key detail – why was there a brawl? Who was involved? It’s disappointing that the journal, for whatever reason, has chosen to dodge this aspect, as it still strongly relates to the report even with their chosen angle. The background to the story can be found here: http://leinsterexpress.ie/news/local-news/ugly-row-sparked-in-court-1-6570978
Cliff notes: it was a brawl based on a previous brawl involving travellers (quelle surprise) who decided to literally crack heads with iron bars in the middle of the town.
Just to add; this type of activity, according to pavee point rep on PT last night, is all an invention of the media it would seem. Shocking performance.
Walk past the courthouse when it’s in session is an eye opener , prison vans parked up outside with inmates Locked in them , travellers loitering outside it along with other dirt from the town .. It’s very intimidating .. I feel sorry for anyone who has a business along Main Street , law abiding citizens going about their business shouldn’t have to look at this .
I live in Portlaoise and yes, it’s very scary when there’s a court case on.
I know Portlaoise well and teh courthouse is one of the few nice buildings on that street. So I hope they just move the courts to another venue and use the building foe something else.
Maybe they could have the court sessions out on the bog!
Haha maybe next time!
What is he hoping to achieve by his ludicrous proposal that moving the courthouse will stop brawling outside it, other than getting his name in the papers? Well, folks, we voted not to abolish the Seanad so this is what you get.
But it will keep it off Main Street where people shop , if we build outside the town & keep the fools with their white socks pull over the tracksuit bottom out there
I expect we’ll hear tearful stories over the coming days about gardai calling to the homes of those involved at 7am to question them.
And furious outrage on the Journal at Ireland turning into a police state of fascists.
Arresting protestors =/= arresting courthouse brawlers
Anyone involved, and not dispersing when asked to by Gardai, in an unruly gathering that intimidates another citizen should expect to be questioned about it by gardai.
Being 16 is no excuse whatsoever.
John your an ass hole no doubt!!!!
It’s always the same faces outside it .. The same group of people reoffending .. So much for prison rehabilitation .. When are we going to realise that the Irish prison service is taking the wrong approach on rehabilitation , they are a failing department !!
3 strikes rule is needed.
More prisons with better outcomes are what’s actually needed.
Scarr I work in a prison , I witness first hand what goes on .. Prison governors are too soft , cable TV , 3 meals a day..punishment wings are being done away with so no incentive not to keep outta trouble , all prisoners get full remission even those who don’t participate in education etc, Irish prison service give the public the image this doesn’t happen but it does .
This issue has been ongoing for years and has nothing to do with any one group or any one incident. The anti-social behavior, intimidation, loitering in large groups across the footpaths, hassling passers-by – many of them elderly or women with young children- is a daily occurrence due to the frequency of court sittings (since other smaller courts in the county were closed down over the years).
There is no parking whatsoever for the Garda or prison vehicles and the growing brazenness of the protagonists is really undermining and damaging the local businesses and impeding people from going about their business.
This is unfair and unacceptable.
The courthouse is right beside our shops, cafes, arts centre and now the Council propose to relocate the library to Main Street.
It would be like having a courthouse on Grafton Street and it is damaging the reputation of the town and the ability to attract families to the town centre and revive the Main Street and the heart of the Town.
For people who are never up in court this is shocking and frightening carry-on and no laughing matter or something to sneer about.
Moving the courthouse won’t solve all the problems involved, I agree, but it will solve many of them. Some of the other issues are more deep rooted, complex and harder to resolve.
My view is that the Courthouse should be relocated and co-located on the site of the new Garda station which is also long overdue and this would present a number of benefits and advantages in terms of anti-social behavior, safety of shoppers and security.
I am glad that the Department of Justice and the Courts Services agreed this week that the courthouse is in an unsuitable location and needs to be moved and they are seeking to source a suitable site.
The sooner the better.
I’m sure when the Gardai have finished their dawn arrests and their thorough investigation into the horrific crime of your dear Tanaiste been trapped in her car for two hours while she joked, made phone calls and read a newspaper. The Gardai may spare some of their precious resources and send a car around to have a look.
How does next January suit?
“Some of the other issues are more deep rooted, complex and harder to resolve.” If people with a string of serious convictions were defined as professional criminals and locked up for a few decades it would solve that “complex” problem overnight.
@john whelan .. Fair play for highlighting this .. As usual Brian Stanley goes quiet when it comes to these types of debates . The courthouse should be shut down now & temporary arrangements made to hold it somewhere else . I feel nothing will be done & we will all be having the same debate in 5 years time
Bit rich from a labour supporter when labour have wasted so many resources and done so much damage to credibility of gardai arresting children and opposition politicians!
Travellers, Ireland’s version of black crime.
Gurriers?? eh no…its a bunch of cream crackers who think they can do what they like and pass it of as a cultural thing! Where is the silent majority of these people who c seemingly condemn this behaviour and why are they not doing anything about it. Innocent bystanders are constantly getting caught in the middle of these animals “feuds” and we are told “shur” its their culture and we have to be tolerant!!!!
Yeah we should do what the Nazis did. Idiot
Ahh Mr Godwin, you are never far away and you are very welcome. Your Law continues to prove itself time and time again.
Eeeerh……….would it not be cheaper to move the gurriers?
Of course….just moving the gurriers or policing them properly would not involve developers, consultants, architects etc.
Knackers the Garda don’t want to know. But if your a tax payer look out!!!
I do not believe that anyone who lives in Portlaoise will be sorry to see the Courthouse move to a more suitable location. There is no doubt it has stunted the regeneration of the main street. Also , the Garda station is the old British Baracks and was built in a time in the 1800′s when Portlaoise had barely a few thousand people and plenty of horses and carriages !
The population is closer to 16,000 now and both the Courthouse and the Garda baracks need relocating and upgrading to buildings more suitable to the age we live in .
The population of Portlaoise is now north of 20,000 according to the last census.
Simple, jail them, no parole or remission and have a referendum on the revolving door justice system that seems to be only supported by criminals and smoked salmon socialists on RTE.
Ya better walk while ya still have the legs ta carry ya!
Don’t need court house, just a nice big gas chamber! Our society don’t need pikeys! Will anyone miss them? I think not!!!
So the fact I run a retail store just off the main street in Portlaoise I should move too? I have gardai in store almost every week with shoplifting and they are back the next day.
have your say