BRITAIN is still the most popular destination for emigrants leaving Ireland, despite a fall in the overall number of people exiting the country.
The number of emigrants of all nationalities leaving Ireland and heading to Britain rose by seven per cent to 19,200 in the year to April 2015.
Figures published by the Central Statistics Office in Ireland this week, show that a total of 80,900 people of all nationalities moved out of Ireland from April 2014 – April 2015, 1,000 fewer than the previous year.
Australia recorded the biggest fall in immigration from Ireland, with 7,500 people moving there in the 12-month period, down from 10,000 the previous year.
The US was also less of a lure for the Irish with a drop to 5,900, down from 6,900 in 2013-2014.
Meanwhile, Canada saw a significant increase in numbers arriving from Ireland, from 4,700 to 7,700.
The report shows a 13 per cent decrease in the total number of Irish people leaving Ireland in the year to April 2015.
Only 35,300 Irish nationals emigrated, in comparison to the previous year when 40,700 Irish nationals left.
Immigration, on the other hand, is rising.
For the third year in a row the numbers arriving in Ireland, including returning Irish nationals has risen by 14 per cent to 69,300.
The number of Irish people returning to live in Ireland from abroad make up 12,100 of that total, a 4 per cent rise from 11,600 recorded the previous year.
The net outward migration figure – the difference in the number of those leaving and entering the country - is 11,600, down 45 per cent on the previous year.
If you've moved to Britain from Ireland recently, we'd like to hear from you. Tell us about why you chose Britain by either leaving a comment below or sending an email to [email protected]
