The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) could add €250 billion to Ireland’s economy, as measured by GDP, within the next decade, according to a new report by Microsoft and Trinity College Dublin.
The AI Economy in Ireland 2025 report also estimated that AI will increase Ireland’s Gross National Income (GNI) by at least €130 billion by 2035.
AI adoption in Ireland has surged to 91 per cent, nearly doubling from 49 per cent in 2024. This rapid growth has propelled Ireland ahead of many EU counterparts after previously lagging behind.
However, the report highlights the rise of a “shadow AI culture,” where employees use AI tools independently without organisational oversight.
Around 80% of organisations report employees using free AI tools without enterprise security controls, and 61 per cent of managers acknowledge AI usage in workplaces where it is officially restricted.
The study also found that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are adopting AI at significantly lower rates than multinational organisations. Only 10 per cent of SMEs have an AI strategy, compared to 50 per cent of multinationals.