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Is construction slowdown increasing emigration?

By Noreen Bowden | July 4, 2007

Irish tradespeople are moving to Australia and New Zealand in increasing numbers, according to a report in the Irish Examiner.

Migration.ie spokesperson Edwina Shanahan says that about 4,000 Irish people moved to Australia and New Zealand in 2006.  “There has been a steady overall increase, but particularly among tradespeople. For most, the main reason for moving is better job prospects and quality of life”.

While Migration.ie says the increase in tradespeople leaving is a result of a slowdown in the Irish construction industry – a claim disputed by the Construction Federation of Ireland.

The CFI acknowledges that the housing sector has slowed in recent months, but says the commercial and public sector has grown, resulting in static employment in the construction over the last six months. There are about 290,000 employed in construction currently,  up from 260,000 two years ago.

 The Economic and Social Research Institute says the economy will slow down this year, and says that employment growth will fall to 58,000 next year, down from 87,000 new jobs in 2006.

 Read the report in the Irish Examiner.

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