Ireland to New York emigration echoing early 20th century rates

As reported by Irish Central, with its dismal economy, Ireland is sending off more and more of its people each year. Emigration rates have increased every year since 2007’s end of the Celtic Tiger, as citizens seek out new horizons for better job opportunities.

According to The New York Post, hundreds of Irish workers have been arriving in New York each month seeking employment. The overwhelming numbers of emigrants are particularly significant bearing in mind Ireland’s comparatively small national populace of only 4.5 million people.

Nearly 355,000 Irish people have moved out of Ireland during the past six years. The country’s emigrating population are, on the whole, highly qualified and skilled when seeking work in cities like New York. More often than not, these emigrants are multilingual, highly educated and offer specialized skills--traits which the last major surge of Irish emigrants probably only dreamed of.

Natasha Barnwall (25), who is a Dublin native holding an MA in management consultancy, said she would stay in New York for as long as possible. The economic climate in the US was superior than in Ireland, she explained.

Shaun Kennedy (25), who moved to Connecticut to work as a computer developer, said the heyday of the Celtic Tiger were gone. However, those who work hard in the US will be rewarded by their employers, he said.