Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

As Celtic Tiger Slows, Ireland Again Empties

With Eastern Europe booming, newcomers pack bags en masse

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 25, 2008 12:01 PM CDT

(Newser) – The massive Irish economic engine of the '90s brought decades of emigration to a screeching halt and hordes of EU immigrants flooding through open borders to lay claim to plentiful jobs. But as the Celtic Tiger begins to look like a kitty, the Wall Street Journal reports, many of those immigrants are packing their bags and heading home—where the boom times are on the rise.

If that reverse migration becomes too pronounced it could exacerbate the slowdown. But most are applauding workers’ newfound ability to country-hop to find work. “These immigrants are simply putting into life the very idea of European integration,” said one Polish migration researcher. This “is exactly what we wanted in introducing the whole idea of a common market.”

This computer generated image released by European plane maker Airbus, Wednesday, June 6, 2007 shows an Airbus A350 bearing the colours of Irish airline Air Lingus. (AP Photo/Airbus, Fixion, HO)

This is a Oct. 5, 2006 file photo of a Ryanair plane landing at Dublin airport with an Aer Lingus plane in the background. (AP Photo)

With modern technology, it's a lot easier for immigrants to hop countries as economic cycles dictate. (Shutterstock)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Angry Voters in Ireland Rout Ruling Party

Leaders associated with collapse, bailout are sent packing

(NEWSER) - Irish voters have finally had enough of Fianna Fail, the long-dominating party blamed for leading the country into economic ruin, reports the Irish Independent . It's not clear whether opposition Fine Gael will get enough seats for an outright majority or will need to form a coalition government with a smaller party, but the message to Fianna Fail's leaders is clear: The party plunged to about 15% support in exit polls and may win 20 seats, down from the 78 it took in 2007, notes the Wall Street Journal . More»

Irish Lawmakers OK $90B Bailout—Barely

Despite cries from opposition, motion passes 81-75

(AP) - Irish lawmakers have voted to take the $90 billion international bailout fund, an emergency measure designed to keep Europe's debt crisis from getting worse. Prime Minister Brian Cowen won today's motion on an 81-75 vote. He argued that Ireland had no choice but to take loans from the European Union and the Washington-based International Monetary Fund at interest rates averaging 5.8% because borrowing from bond investors would cost much more. More»

EU Agrees to $113B Ireland Bailout

New rules for future emergencies also sketched out

(AP) - European Union nations agreed today to give $113 billion in bailout loans to Ireland to help it weather the cost of its massive banking crisis, and sketched out new rules for future emergencies in an effort to restore faith in the euro currency. The rescue deal, approved by finance ministers at an emergency meeting in Brussels, means two of the eurozone's 16 nations have now come to depend on foreign help and underscores Europe's struggle to contain its spreading debt crisis. More»

Europe Markets in Turmoil Over Debt Worries

New concerns (and rumors) center on Portugal, Spain

(NEWSER) - Authorities across Europe rejected a report that a Portuguese bailout would cut the risk of Spain needing similar action, the Wall Street Journal reports. A German paper had cited German finance ministers in the matter, but the ministry, Portugal, Spain, and the European Commission all said Portugal wasn’t being pushed to ask for such assistance. Still, worries centered on Spain and Portugal prompted European markets to plunge. More»

Europe Works Out $135B Irish Rescue Deal

...Even though Ireland insists it doesn't want to be rescued

(NEWSER) - Senior European financial officials emerged from a meeting in Brussels yesterday saying they were “intensifying preparations” for an Irish bailout of up to $135 billion. IMF experts will head to Dublin this week to examine the country’s finances and work out the details, the Wall Street Journal reports. There’s just one problem: Ireland’s finance minister still insists the country doesn’t want help, despite the punishing rates it’s paying to fund its massive budget deficit. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

As Celtic Tiger Slows, Ireland Again Empties

With Eastern Europe booming, newcomers pack bags en masse

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

immigration • Eastern Europe • European Union • United Kingdom • Ireland • Celtic Tiger

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Angry Voters in Ireland Rout Ruling Party

Leaders associated with collapse, bailout are sent packing

Irish Lawmakers OK $90B Bailout—Barely

Despite cries from opposition, motion passes 81-75

EU Agrees to $113B Ireland Bailout

New rules for future emergencies also sketched out

Europe Markets in Turmoil Over Debt Worries

New concerns (and rumors) center on Portugal, Spain

Europe Works Out $135B Irish Rescue Deal

...Even though Ireland insists it doesn't want to be rescued

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?

As Celtic Tiger Slows, Ireland Again Empties

With Eastern Europe booming, newcomers pack bags en masse

Bookmark & Share

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

immigration • Eastern Europe • European Union • United Kingdom • Ireland • Celtic Tiger

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Angry Voters in Ireland Rout Ruling Party

Leaders associated with collapse, bailout are sent packing

Irish Lawmakers OK $90B Bailout—Barely

Despite cries from opposition, motion passes 81-75

EU Agrees to $113B Ireland Bailout

New rules for future emergencies also sketched out

Europe Markets in Turmoil Over Debt Worries

New concerns (and rumors) center on Portugal, Spain

Europe Works Out $135B Irish Rescue Deal

...Even though Ireland insists it doesn't want to be rescued

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?