Irish exodus continues sparking removal business boom

As reported by The Cork, the international removal companies of Ireland have seen demand for their services soaring as more and more people are forced to emigrate. Very few businesses actually benefit from rising jobless rates and the effects of recession, but the removal firms, which during the Celtic Tiger era transported the possessions of returning nationals back to a thriving Ireland from far-off countries, are witnessing a complete reversal as nearly all container ships are now sailing in the opposite direction.

Noel Power, who is group business manager at Cork-based Careline International, says he is receiving nearly 250 enquires each week, with New Zealand, Australia and the USA topping the most popular destinations list. He expects trade to boom even more, with a special interest in Canada, as thousands of job seekers swarmed last Wednesday's emigration and jobs fair in Cork.

There has been a total change in the industry during the past four years, said Power. The core business used to be domestic, since there were so many home sales at the time, but now 80-85% of the business centres on moving people's possessions overseas, he added.
He added that, before, the firm was busy bringing people's belongings back to Ireland since so many families were encouraged by the government to return to the country.