#480 Boom or Bust? Ireland’s Population Surge

Host Niall is joined by Cormac Lucey, Chartered Accountant and Sunday Times economics columnist, to discuss his provocative piece, “The Government is Gaslighting Us Over Immigration.” In it, Lucey argues that political leaders are downplaying the pressures mass immigration is placing on housing, healthcare, schools, and infrastructure—despite Ireland’s population growing by 50% since 1990.

With callers phoning in throughout the show, Niall asks the central question: Is Ireland’s record-breaking population growth good for our future—or are we changing too fast, with a government that’s lost control?

💡 Arguments in Favour of Growth:

Immigration brings much-needed skills, investment, and energy to the economy.

A growing workforce supports businesses and tax revenues, helping fund public services.

Diversity strengthens Ireland’s global connections and cultural richness.

⚠️ Arguments Raising Concerns:

Services such as housing, hospitals, and schools have not kept pace, leading to overcrowding and strain.

Large inflows risk social tensions if integration is poorly managed.

Over-reliance on population growth may mask deeper policy failures in planning, infrastructure, and family support.

This episode is a hard-hitting, balanced debate that asks whether Ireland’s rapid transformation is a success story in the making—or a warning sign that leaders are refusing to face reality.