Immigration figures break records

The number of immigrants who came to Ireland in the 12 months to April 2006 is estimated to have been 86,900, the highest figure recorded since annual migration estimates began in 1987.

Releasing the figures today, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) said the estimated number of emigrants in the same period was 17,000, which gave a net migration figure of 69,900 compared with 53,400 in the 12 months to April 2005.