Shelter and Society: Ireland’s response to the migrant surge

Ireland’s immigration situation has significantly changed in the recent years, and the country is now confronting an increasingly urgent challenge: the nation’s housing, public services, and social cohesiveness are being seriously threatened by the sudden spike in migration, intensified by international crises like the war in Ukraine and the sudden increase in the number of refugees after the pandemic. With the government facing growing demands for stricter immigration policies alongside improved housing provision, the upcoming election offers a chance for a nationwide re-evaluation of Ireland’s immigration strategies. However, these challenges are not unique — they are specifically linked to broader issues such as economic inequality, housing shortages, and public finances. 

Impact on Housing and Public Services:

The rise in migration has intensified the country’s ongoing housing crisis, with the annual number of asylum-seekers soaring from approximately 3500 (before 2020) to nearly 25,000 by 2023. Furthermore, this increase has been impacted by the arrival of tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees following Russia’s invasion. The Housing for All plan, introduced by the government, aims to construct 33,000 homes each year through 2030. However, critics argue that this target is insufficient in the current crisis. Ireland’s historically high homeownership rate, which once surpassed 70%, has significantly declined, especially among younger citizens, limiting generational wealth building and economic security within the country. The pressure on housing, especially in urban areas, is clear; in 2024, over 14,700 individuals are homeless, an unprecedented level despite government claims of achieving record home construction. Public discontent is clear: widespread protests have been sparked by growing concerns migration is exacerbating the housing crisis. 

Yet a recent survey by the European Social Survey found that 65% of Irish people still view immigration positively, acknowledging its cultural and economic benefits, but worries about how it will affect housing and public services are increasingly shaping the debate. Notable individuals such as Ireland’s prime minister, Simon Harris, have contributed to a growing political division over immigration by advocating for a ‘firmer’ approach. Harris has emphasised that immigration is good for Ireland but needs to be controlled with clear regulations and deportation procedures. His claim that “the system needs to be firmer” follows an increase in anti-immigration rallies and  far-right demonstrations, which frequently attack policies converting hotels and other structures to house asylum seekers. The political landscape surrounding immigration has become more volatile as a result of the violent outbursts that have accompanied these protests, which have been primarily stoked by far-right rhetoric. 

The Government’s Economic Situation:

Ireland is experiencing booming public finances, and the way that the government handles it is likely to play a vital role in shaping voter decisions before the upcoming election. Corporate taxes have positioned the country in a significant surplus, reaching billions of euros. However, opposition parties argue that the government has not sufficiently assigned these funds to address the country’s most crucial issues — housing and healthcare. Instead, a substantial amount of their surplus has been laid aside for future shocks including infrastructure expansion and climate change adaption. Although these are significant issues, the rising inequality in Ireland — as demonstrated by a 2023 study that revealed 30,000 more children were living in deprivation than the year before — raises concerns about whether the government is giving priority to pressing social issues. The extravagant spending on government initiatives, such as the $336,000 bike shed on parliamentary grounds and the National Children’s Hospital’s skyrocketing expenses, is another source of public frustration. Critics contend that these expenses show poor financial management of resources that could have been used to address important issues such as the housing shortages and immigrant integration, which remain as central concerns for Ireland’s future stability.

Integration and Policy Proposals:

The country’s immigration policy needs to change in order to meet these problems, rather than simply reacting to short-term demands. Long term stability relies on migrant integration on both an economic and social level. Practical integration policies must support possibilities for migrants to make significant contributions to Ireland’s economy and society, rather than just handling asylum cases, which is necessary given the country’s labour shortages in healthcare, construction, and technology. For example, Canada demonstrates the economic benefits of immigration, where 32% of business owners are immigrants, creating jobs across sectors such as construction and healthcare. Germany also offers a model for successful integration, with 70% of migrants finding employment and contributing to the economy. Ireland could follow a similar approaches by ensuring that migrants have access to affordable housing, healthcare, education, and work opportunities — areas that are not only crucial for successful integration, but also support the country’s wider economic objectives. 

The government has already implemented policies that may help migrant facilities, such as the Housing for All initiative and investments in childcare and education. These efforts, however, are falling short of the level of demand, particularly in regions where housing pressures are higher than usual. Reallocating a portion of this surplus may help close this gap through expanding migrant support programs and speeding up the construction of social housing. It would also be essential to have a strong national integration strategy that combines community-driven projects with state-led policy. By preventing social exclusion, which fosters hostility and extremism, such initiatives can contribute to the development of inclusive societies. Ireland could adopt Germany’s strategy, where language and employment focused integration programs have seen notable success. This is particularly practical given Ireland’s reputation for generosity and the necessity to keep public support for immigration policies. Investing into these programs guarantees that migration is not only controlled, but also developed into a long-term asset for Ireland’s social and economic structure.

Ireland must find a balance between sympathy and practicality as it confronts the twin issues of an immigration crisis and a housing crisis. Without a doubt, migration has benefited Ireland through factors such as expanding the workforce and diversifying society, yet the nation’s ability to accept these newcomers rests on mutually beneficial, effectively run policies. It is essential to consider immigration as a component of a larger national policy that tackles social welfare, housing, and healthcare. Ireland could better manage its expanding immigrant population by redirecting some of its economic windfalls towards the development of cheap housing and migrant integration, ensuring sure that newcomers are accepted, assisted, and equipped for success and employment. In the upcoming election, voters will have an opportunity to choose a course of action which hopefully balances the requirements of both immigrants and the larger Irish society whilst promoting compassion and common sense.