Does Ireland plan to stay in the EU?

Ireland continues to be a loyal member of the European Union, with remarkable support increasing from 84% last year up to 88%, according to a recent survey conducted by Red C Research. Furthermore, an impressive 79 percent agree that EU membership has had great benefits in their lives since joining fifty years ago after passing its referendum for entry into EEC. Overall enthusiasm and admiration remains strong. This is quite often a concern for people moving to Ireland from the UK. 

Enthusiastic EU member

Ireland's enthusiasm for EU membership is unwavering. In fact, support in the country peaked to a staggering 93 per cent during 2019 before gradually declining slightly over 2020 and 2021 - though this number has since risen once again to remarkable heights of 84 per cent by 2022. Dubliners are especially fervent about their adherence with 92 percent backing remaining part of the union, followed closely by Munster (89%) then contributions from Leinster (88%) and Connacht/Ulster coming in last at 78%.

Increased EU Defence

Despite ongoing geopolitical tension, a clear majority of the Irish public have expressed overwhelming support for increased European Union defence and security co-operation. Polls indicate that this sentiment has only strengthened since 2020; with approval now standing at an impressive 59%. Noelle O'Connell from the European Movement Ireland believes this rise in opinion is due to growing fears surrounding recent invasions such as Ukraine.

Peace

For many years, Europe has been a source of unwavering support to Ireland and its quest for peace and reconciliation. Recently, this heartfelt backing was further cemented with the European Union's generous financial assistance as well as their collective solidarity alongside Ireland through difficult times such as Brexit negotiations.

Number of EU citizens living in Ireland

Ireland is in 7th place in the OECD in terms of the share of immigrants in its population, with foreign-born accounting for 17% of the total population. 46% of them arrived in the last 5 years compared with 22% on average across OECD countries. Foreign-born population was 883319.00 in December of 2021, according to the EUROSTAT.

So the answer to the question is yes, Ireland does plan to say in the EU.