A record number of people from around the world sought asylum in Ireland during 2024 - though not as many as predicted.

18,561 people applied for international protection in Ireland in 2024 – the highest figure since records began.

The number of asylum applications exceeded the previous peak in 2022 by 36%, while last year’s figures represent a 40% increase on 2023.

Meanwhile, in the last three years, over 45,000 people have applied for asylum here.

The Government struggled to source accommodation for asylum seekers throughout last year and there are currently 3,099 international protection applicants who are without an offer of accommodation.

In January of 2024, the cabinet was told that as many as 20,000 asylum seekers could come into the State over the year.

These figures were released to Newstalk by the Department of Justice for the year up to 31 December 2024.

Members of the public pass tents belonging to asylum seekers along the Grand Canal. Photograph: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie