ESRI study found those who hold inaccurate beliefs about immigration are significantly more likely to cite it as a major national issue. Photograph: Mirsad Sarajlic/Getty ImagesThe majority of people in Ireland overestimate the number of migrants living in the State, according to a new study from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The misperception is “strongly associated with negative attitudes to immigration”, it found. 'Most people in Ireland continue to hold broadly positive attitudes toward immigration'. “While most people do not hold negative attitudes toward immigration, those who do tend to strongly underestimate migrants’ economic contribution,” he said.

Source: The Irish Times January 15, 2026 12:01 UTC