A new report has revealed that Ireland has one of the highest numbers of young adults in Europe still living with their parents. The report, which was conducted by Eurofound, found that over 30% of Irish 18-34 year-olds live at home with their parents. This is significantly higher than the European average of 28%.
The report also found that Ireland has experienced one of the biggest increases in the number of young adults living with their parents since the start of the economic downturn in 2008. In 2008, only 25% of Irish 18-34 year-olds lived at home with their parents, compared to the current rate of 30%.
The reasons for the increase in young people living with their parents are largely due to the high cost of housing. Ireland has experienced a significant housing crisis since the economic downturn, with rising house prices and a shortage of affordable housing. This has made it difficult for many young adults to get on the property ladder and has forced them to stay at home with their parents for longer periods of time.
The report highlights the impact that the housing crisis is having on young people in Ireland. It found that many young adults feel they are unable to achieve their goals and aspirations due to the lack of affordable housing. This is leading to feelings of disappointment and frustration, and in some cases, mental health issues.
The report recommends that the government needs to take urgent action to address the housing crisis and help young people to obtain affordable housing. It suggests that the government needs to increase the supply of affordable housing, strengthen rent controls, and provide more financial assistance to young people.
The report also recommends that employers need to take a more flexible approach to work by offering remote working options and more flexible working hours. This would enable young people to live in more affordable areas and reduce the need for long commutes, which can be both expensive and time-consuming.
In conclusion, the report highlights the significant impact that the housing crisis is having on young people in Ireland. It is essential that the government takes urgent action to address the crisis and help young people to obtain affordable housing. This will enable young people to achieve their goals and aspirations and lead fulfilling lives, which is essential for the future prosperity of Ireland.
