World Immigration News

Reducing immigration unlikely to help housing crisis

Release Date: 2025-08-30
Media: RTE
Summary: Ireland’s population is rapidly growing, driven by high net immigration and natural increase, putting significant pressure on an already severe housing shortage. Recent data shows nearly 80,000 more people added in the past year, pushing the population beyond previous high-growth forecasts. The current housing deficit is estimated at around 250,000 homes and has worsened by 100,000 in the last decade.

The government aims to address this crisis by improving infrastructure for new developments and reforming the planning system, while also loosening rental caps and construction standards to attract foreign investment. However, these measures may reduce housing quality and pose challenges for tenants.

Some argue that reducing immigration could ease housing demand, but experts disagree. Research shows that migrants make up about 20% of the construction workforce, meaning fewer immigrants could also reduce housing supply. Additionally, immigrants play vital roles in key sectors like healthcare and are major tenants in rental apartment markets.

Overall, limiting immigration may only slightly affect housing affordability and availability, while potentially harming economic growth and worsening labor shortages. The evidence suggests that immigration restriction is unlikely to solve Ireland’s housing problem.
Tags: Ireland

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