New analysis of Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures shows that 125,300 people immigrated to Ireland in the year to April 2025— the fourth straight year above the 100,000 mark—while net migration added almost 60,000 to a population now estimated at 5.46 million. The disclosure, published by TheLiberal.ie, has reignited debate over capacity constraints as the International Protection Accommodation Services (IPAS) confirmed it spent €1.2 billion last year housing asylum seekers, much of it on hotel contracts.
Housing supply continues to lag demand: just 24,325 homes were completed in the first nine months of 2025, putting the full-year total below 33,000—well short of the 50,000 units economists say are needed annually to stabilise prices. Average Dublin rents hit €2,300 a month, prompting business groups to warn that talent attraction is being undermined as assignees struggle to find accommodation within relocation budgets.
IPAS has responded by introducing weekly service charges of up to €238 for employed protection applicants, arguing that contributions will help offset spiralling costs. Migrant-rights NGOs say the fees risk pushing low-wage workers into poverty. The controversy lands as the Oireachtas prepares to debate the International Protection Bill 2026, which promises faster asylum decisions and alternatives to hotel accommodation.
![CSO data reveal 125,000 immigrants in 2025 as accommodation costs hit €1.2 bn]()
For employers, the numbers underline an urgent need to plan housing allowances and consider regional hubs such as Cork and Galway where rents, though rising, remain around 25 % lower than in Dublin. Mobility managers should also watch for forthcoming changes to the Employment Permit salary thresholds (due 1 March 2026) that could further influence the cost of deploying staff to Ireland.
VisaHQ’s global visa and passport services can streamline the paperwork for companies bringing talent to Ireland and for individuals relocating, ensuring compliance with Irish immigration rules and reducing lead-times. Its dedicated Ireland portal (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) offers step-by-step guidance, real-time status tracking and expert support—resources that can complement relocation planning alongside housing and salary considerations.
Politically, immigration has surged to the top of voter concerns, with a recent Red C poll showing 26 % of respondents citing it as their number-one issue, up from 14 % a year ago. Analysts say the government will have to balance continued labour-market demand—unemployment sits at 4.5 %—with calls for tighter controls ahead of the 2027 general election.
Housing supply continues to lag demand: just 24,325 homes were completed in the first nine months of 2025, putting the full-year total below 33,000—well short of the 50,000 units economists say are needed annually to stabilise prices. Average Dublin rents hit €2,300 a month, prompting business groups to warn that talent attraction is being undermined as assignees struggle to find accommodation within relocation budgets.
IPAS has responded by introducing weekly service charges of up to €238 for employed protection applicants, arguing that contributions will help offset spiralling costs. Migrant-rights NGOs say the fees risk pushing low-wage workers into poverty. The controversy lands as the Oireachtas prepares to debate the International Protection Bill 2026, which promises faster asylum decisions and alternatives to hotel accommodation.
For employers, the numbers underline an urgent need to plan housing allowances and consider regional hubs such as Cork and Galway where rents, though rising, remain around 25 % lower than in Dublin. Mobility managers should also watch for forthcoming changes to the Employment Permit salary thresholds (due 1 March 2026) that could further influence the cost of deploying staff to Ireland.
VisaHQ’s global visa and passport services can streamline the paperwork for companies bringing talent to Ireland and for individuals relocating, ensuring compliance with Irish immigration rules and reducing lead-times. Its dedicated Ireland portal (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) offers step-by-step guidance, real-time status tracking and expert support—resources that can complement relocation planning alongside housing and salary considerations.
Politically, immigration has surged to the top of voter concerns, with a recent Red C poll showing 26 % of respondents citing it as their number-one issue, up from 14 % a year ago. Analysts say the government will have to balance continued labour-market demand—unemployment sits at 4.5 %—with calls for tighter controls ahead of the 2027 general election.
