The National Youth Council of Ireland has called for free transport for under 25s, amid polling that suggests many young people are considering leaving Ireland.
The survey, which has been published ahead of next month’s budget, found that seven in 10 are considering moving abroad for a better quality of life.
The council has responded by calling for the Government to abolish reduced minimum wages for young workers.
“Nine in 10 young adults telling us that they've been negatively impacted by cost of living,” NYCI spokesperson Grace McManus told Newstalk Breakfast.
“They're really concerned around rent, accommodation costs, college fees, food and groceries, things that we would consider, I suppose, the basics.
“And nine in 10 of them are concerned about finding well-paid work.
“So, our concern is that it's not them just looking for an adventure and maybe experiencing life overseas for a year.
“It's that they don't feel there's a path to an independent and sustainable life here.”
Ms McManus continued that while State coffers are awash with tech money cash, many young people are struggling to find jobs and the cost of living remains high.
“You see the highest rents that we've ever had in the State and that's what young people are facing into home ownership,” she said.
“The age of the average homeowner now [means homeownership] is really way out of the reach of those under 30, never mind under 25.”
Young people aged 19 to 25 can already avail of a TFI Young Adult and Student Leap Card, which reduces fares by 50%.
However, the council urged the Government to go further and make public transport entirely free for under 25s.
“Interestingly, in this polling, young people told us that commuting costs had become more of a difficulty over the last year,” she said.
“And that was before the recent public transport cost increases were announced.
“I think it's really on the Government and on us as a State to make them have a place that they they can set up a life in.
“I don't think it's fair for us to expect them to live in their parents' box rooms indefinitely.”
Main image: A young woman walking in front of a Dublin Bus. Picture by: Alamy.com.
