Irish Live Register Climbs in February 2026, Driven by Male Claimants and Younger Workers

The number of people on the Live Register in Ireland increased in February 2026, according to data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The total reached 169,500, representing a 2.5% rise year-on-year, or an increase of 4,200 individuals [1].

Key Findings from the February 2026 Live Register Data

• Overall Increase: The Live Register saw a year-on-year increase of 2.5%, equating to 4,200 more claimants compared to February 2025 [1].
• Male Claimants: The majority of the increase was driven by male claimants, with a rise of 4,192, bringing the total to 95,931. Men now constitute 56.5% of all claimants [1].
• Youth Unemployment: There was a significant increase – exceeding 10% – in the number of individuals under the age of 25 on the Live Register. This demographic now accounts for 12.3% of all claimants [1].
• Regional Variations: Dublin experienced the largest percentage increase in claimants, up 8.9% year-on-year, followed by Wicklow at 6.1%. Conversely, Monaghan saw the largest decrease, down 8.3%, and Laois recorded a 4.7% decline [1].
• Long-Term Claimants: 53,179 people had been on the Live Register for a year or more, a decrease of 6.1% (3,482 people) compared to February 2025 [1].

Historical Data Availability

The CSO maintains an archive of Live Register data, providing historical figures from January 2025 through December 2025 [2]. This archive is accessible to the public and offers a comprehensive view of labor market trends.

Looking Ahead

Although the February 2026 figures show an increase in the Live Register, the decrease in long-term claimants suggests some positive movement within the labor market. Continued monitoring of these trends will be crucial to understanding the evolving employment landscape in Ireland.