Almost seven in ten young adults are considering moving abroad for a better quality of life, according to new research from the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI).
The survey found that 68% of 18-24 year olds are considering moving abroad, while 71% believe they would have a better quality of life outside Ireland.
NYCI has commissioned similar polling over several years.
Housing and affordability remain the main concerns, but worries about employment have increased year on year.
Nine in ten young adults said it is becoming harder to find secure, well-paid work.
A similar proportion said they had been negatively affected by the cost of living, while 89% agreed that the housing crisis disproportionately affects young people.
Transport costs and mental health also remain prominent concerns.
More than seven in ten adults believe AI will make it harder for young people to find secure employment over the next five years, while 83% support stronger government regulation of AI.
Just 17% of young adults said they believe the Government is doing enough to support them through the cost-of-living crisis.
“These findings should serve as a wake-up call,” said Grace McManus, Policy and Campaigns Manager at NYCI.
“Too many young people feel that the chance to build a secure and independent life is slipping out of reach,” Ms McManus said.
The polling was conducted by RED C which surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,010 adults, including a cohort aged 18-24.
The research is being published alongside NYCI’s pre-budget submission which calls for measures including changes to the jobseekers’ allowance, abolishing sub-minimum rates of pay, and providing free public transport for under-25s.