Academic thoughts on immigration – a European kaleidoscope
IRELAND
In 2023, Ireland had a total of 5.28 million inhabitants.
In the 12 months to the end of April 2023 there were 141,600 immigrants which was a 16-year high. This was the second successive 12-month period where over 100,000 people immigrated to Ireland. These migration trends will result in a population increase of around 480,000 by 2032.
Fertility rates have seemed to fluctuate in the last few years. While the fertility rate per woman was 1.93 in 2013, this figure fell to 1.59 in 2023. Experts project by 2032 a slight uptake in fertility rates, leading to 1.6.
The share of third-country nationals (i.e. non-EU citizens) in the total population rose to 7.8 per cent as at 1 January 2023 (EU: 6.1%).
Sources:
The general data on population and fertility rate are taken from „database.earth“ and the Irish Central Statistics Office:
https://database.earth/population/ireland/fertility-rate
The migration trends have been taken from the Central Statistics Office:
For insights into perceptions, societal logic, and recommendations based on national experiences, please refer to the interviews below: