Migration movements and the distribution of population in Éire

Abstract

The present paper deals only with the Twenty-Six Counties (forming Éire) and the exclusion of Northern Ireland makes the picture given in some ways incomplete. This limitation may not be such a serious defect, for the greater industrial development of the North alters the nature of population problems to a considerable degree. The real interest in Éire lies in the adjustment of a population primarily engaged in agricultural occupations to the opportunities of gaining a better livelihood elsewhere. During the past hundred years two primary conditions favourable for a migration movement have been present at the same time, a low standard of living in the country of emigration and more attractive conditions in various countries of immigration. In the past few years internal migration has been given, an added stimulus by the industrial developments within Éire. The present discussion of the problem, while taking into account the past history of migration, will be mainly concerned with the movements of the past few years. Migration movements react very quickly to changing economic and social conditions. The economic slump in the United States reinforced the stream of Irish emigration into Great Britain and the recognition by Australia and Canada that they could no longer absorb large numbers of additional settlers had the same effect. Inter-continental emigration is, therefore, no longer important and a return movement is in progress. Emigration to Great Britain and internal migration are now in the forefront of the picture.