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As voters in the Republic of Ireland prepare to head to the polls on Friday, many are expressing frustration and concern over a lack of access to vital services such as healthcare and affordable housing. Emma, a mother-of-four with two children who have complex medical needs, says she lies awake at night worrying about their care and the endless waiting lists they face. Despite Ireland’s healthy bank balance, many voters feel they are not seeing the benefits of the country’s economic success.
In rural County Donegal, where Emma lives, infrastructure and public services are major issues, with concerns around housing, immigration, and healthcare dominating the election campaign. The county, which is one of the furthest points from the heart of government in Dublin, has become known as a “forgotten” area, left behind and separated from the rest of the country.
A local journalist in the county, Áine Ní Bhreisleáin, confirms that Emma is not alone in her frustrations. The cost of living is rising rapidly, and many people are unable to access the services they need, despite the government’s promises to boost healthcare funding. Housing is also a major issue in the Republic, with soaring prices and a huge backlog of people on the social housing waiting list.
The immigration issue is also of significant concern in rural areas such as Donegal, where many feel that people coming into the country are given priority over others. Ireland’s population is rapidly rising, with over 150,000 immigrants arriving in the country in 2021, the highest number in 17 years, and most coming from outside the UK. Donegal has the largest per capita proportion of asylum seekers in the country, leading to concerns that existing residents are not being given the support and resources they need.
The wealth gap in Ireland is also a significant issue, with many feeling that there is a wide discrepancy between the country’s economic success and the reality for people on the ground. Margarite, a shopper in Letterkenny, says that she feels she is being “gaslit” by politicians who constantly emphasize the country’s wealth and resources, while many people are struggling with issues such as public transport, investment in local hospitals, and low pay rates in rural areas. As voters head to the polls, they will be considering these issues and more as they make their decisions on who should lead the country in the coming years
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