Ireland’s information and communication technology sector will need to create nearly 90,000 new jobs by 2030, but the country faces a significant challenge in meeting the resulting skills demand, according to a report by Scale Ireland, an association of Irish tech startups and scaling companies.
The study projects that the ICT sector may require 89,590 new positions over the coming years. While Ireland produces a steady stream of ICT graduates, the report warns this supply is insufficient to meet anticipated demand.
The report emphasizes that reskilling and upskilling of existing employees will be crucial to addressing the shortfall. Scale Ireland recommends placing greater focus on alternative pathways to employment, such as apprenticeships, to develop a broader talent pipeline.
Heavy Reliance on Migrant Workers
The ICT sector is heavily dependent on foreign workers, with up to 40% of employment in this sector held by international migrants. In 2024, more than 38,000 foreign workers were granted work permits in Ireland, the vast majority of whom were Indian nationals.
The report recommends the government promote global employment opportunities in high-demand areas including software development, data science, cloud computing and cybersecurity, where skilled workers remain in short supply.
Investment in Continuous Development
Scale Ireland calls for increased investment in the ICT sector focused on continuous learning, upskilling and reskilling programmes. The report argues this investment is essential to ensure Ireland can meet future skills needs and maintain its competitive position in the global technology market.
The findings highlight the ongoing tension between Ireland’s need for skilled tech workers and domestic educational capacity, underscoring the sector’s continued reliance on international talent to sustain growth.