Nearly 7 in 10 adults aged between 18 and 24 are considering moving abroad, according to new research from the National Youth Council of Ireland.
The RED C poll found 71% believe they would have a better quality of life abroad, while housing and affordability remain the main concerns.
Employment worries among young adults has significantly increased year on year, as 90% now say it's becoming harder to find secure, well-paid work.
Grace McManus, Policy and Campaigns Manager at NYCI, said young people are not asking for special treatment:
“They are asking for a fair chance to live independently, plan for the future and build their own life."
The data has been released alongside the Councils pre-budget submission, 'Budgeting for a Better Future', which focuses on the cost of living, youth homelessness and education costs.
Only 17% of young adults believe the Government is doing enough to support them during the cost-of-living crisis.
RED C surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,010 adults, including a cohort aged 18 to 24, from May 7th to May 12th, 2026.
They've also conducted similar polling for NYCI over several years, allowing NYCI to track changes in the pressures facing young people.
