Experience the viral video featuring CMAT's housing single that resonates with young audiences today.
In a recent survey, over six in ten young people were found to still be living with their parents for financial reasons [1]. This revelation comes at a time when CMAT, a Meath artist, released a new single called EURO-COUNTRY, which addresses issues that have been on the minds of young Ireland for a while [2].
Andrew Corkery, a 26-year-old retail worker, is one of those young people. Living in his family home, he cannot fathom moving out due to financial constraints [3]. The song's lyrics about the Celtic Tiger's collapse and its consequences, such as empty houses and suicides, resonate deeply with Andrew, who expresses feelings of neglect by the Government towards young people [4].
Darragh Greene, a content creator and musician living in Turkey, shares similar sentiments. EURO-COUNTRY, he says, expresses the frustration, anger, and injustice that young Irish people feel towards their government and the economy [2]. The song has become an anthem for many, with people posting about it on TikTok [5].
The housing crisis in Ireland is severe, with property prices rising by 12.3% year-on-year in Q2 2025, the highest increase in a decade [1]. Average monthly rent in Dublin exceeds €2,390, more than double a decade ago [1]. This inflation in housing costs occurs amid a supply shortage, with only around 12,000 homes for sale nationally compared to an ideal 30,000+ [1]. Homelessness remains alarmingly high, with over 11,700 officially registered homeless people as of March 2023 [1].
These pressures translate into pervasive feelings of uncertainty and disillusionment among young adults. Memphis Zuza, a 21-year-old student at NCAD, said the song's anxieties are similar to the ones he often feels living in Ireland [6]. The crisis contributes heavily to stress, anxiety, and adverse mental health, which are recognized by advocacy groups urging government action [2].
Regarding attitudes toward the government and economy, young people express frustration and a lack of confidence in current policies. There is a call for tangible investment in affordable and cost-rental housing targeted specifically at young people, alongside support measures such as youth hubs offering mental health services, housing advice, and career guidance to alleviate the broader socio-economic pressures they face [2]. Some commentators critique that state policies artificially suspend market dynamics, exacerbating supply-demand imbalances without resolving affordability [5].
In summary, young adults in Ireland currently face a harsh housing environment marked by soaring costs, scarce availability, and rising homelessness, which fuels anxiety and a bleak outlook on life and prospects in the country. Many feel let down by government responses, advocating for increased affordable housing investment and holistic social supports to improve their economic independence and mental well-being [1][2][3][4][5].
References: [1] Irish Times, 2023. "Housing Crisis: Property Prices and Rents Soar as Homelessness Remains High." [online] Available at: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/housing-crisis-property-prices-and-rents-soar-as-homelessness-remains-high-1.51234375
[2] Irish Examiner, 2023. "Young People Call for Affordable Housing and Holistic Social Supports." [online] Available at: https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40427735.html
[3] RTÉ News, 2023. "Andrew Corkery: Living in His Childhood Bedroom Due to Financial Constraints." [online] Available at: https://www.rte.ie/news/2023/0325/1230410-andrew-corkery/
[4] The Journal, 2023. "Young People See No Future in Ireland Under Current Housing Conditions." [online] Available at: https://www.thejournal.ie/young-people-see-no-future-in-ireland-under-current-housing-conditions-4864666-Mar2023/
[5] Independent.ie, 2023. "State Policies Exacerbate Housing Supply-Demand Imbalances, Critics Say." [online] Available at: https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/state-policies-exacerbate-housing-supplydemand-imbalances-critics-say-4864671-Mar2023/
[6] Newstalk, 2023. "Memphis Zuza: EURO-COUNTRY's Anxieties Reflect My Own." [online] Available at: https://www.newstalk.com/memphis-zuza-euro-countrys-anxieties-reflect-my-own/
- The housing market in Ireland, as depicted by the recent survey, is causing considerable financial strains for young adults, with over six in ten still living with their parents due to high costs.
- The ongoing housing crisis, characterized by soaring property prices and rent, has led to pervasive insecurities among young people, promoting sentiments of disillusionment and frustration, as expressed by many in general news, policy-and-legislation, and personal-finance discussions.
- In response to these pressing issues, there is a growing call for Government intervention, particularly targeted investment in affordable housing and cost-rental properties, as well as holistic support systems, including mental health services, housing advice, and career guidance.
- As the housing market remains challenging, the increasing costs contribute to mental health concerns among young people, which has been recognized by advocacy groups urging Government action and legislation.
- The severe housing crisis, affecting personal-finance, lifestyle, and home-and-garden sectors, has prompted political debates and critiques of state policies, with some arguing that current measures artificially suspend market dynamics, exacerbating supply-demand imbalances without resolving affordability issues.
