Ireland is facing growing demand for digital specialists, with employers expected to need significantly more expertise in areas including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, cloud technologies and data analytics by 2030. A new report from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) warns that existing education, training and talent pipelines may not be sufficient to meet this demand.
The report, Skills for Digital Specialists: An Assessment of the Future Skills Needs of Ireland's Digital Specialists to 2030, estimates that around 168,800 digital specialists were employed in Ireland in 2025. Under its baseline scenario, this figure could rise to more than 215,000 by 2030, with annual shortages potentially reaching approximately 5,500 specialists. The findings highlight the importance of expanding digital skills provision, work-based learning, upskilling and lifelong learning opportunities as Ireland prepares for changing technology and employment needs.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD said:
“Ireland's success as a modern, innovative and internationally competitive economy depends on our ability to develop the skills needed by enterprise. This report confirms that demand for digital specialists will continue to grow strongly across all sectors and that advanced capabilities in areas such as AI, cyber security, software engineering and data will be increasingly important. The findings provide a valuable evidence base to support Government, enterprise and education providers as we prepare Ireland's workforce for the opportunities and challenges of the digital transition.
“It is clear that while Ireland benefits from a strong digital economy, a highly skilled workforce and a well-developed education and training system, employers are reporting challenges in recruiting people with the advanced technical, practical and multidisciplinary skills increasingly required in the workplace. I commend the EGFSN for this report which makes it very clear what we need to do and what we will do in planning for the future.”
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless TD said:
“Ireland has invested significantly in expanding digital skills provision across higher education, further education and training, apprenticeships, and lifelong learning. This report highlights the need to build on that progress by ensuring our education and training system remains responsive to the changing needs of learners and employers. It also points to the growing importance of work-based learning and creating opportunities for people to develop new skills as their careers evolve. I welcome this report and look forward to working with the many partners involved to deliver on its recommendations and help ensure Ireland is well placed to meet future skills needs.”
A key finding of the report is that artificial intelligence is changing rather than reducing demand for digital specialists. While some routine tasks and aspects of entry-level work may become increasingly automated, employers expect growth in demand for more advanced and specialised digital roles, particularly in AI implementation, machine learning, data engineering, cyber-security and cloud architecture.
Cyber-security is identified as the fastest-growing technology domain, reflecting the increasing importance of cyber resilience, regulatory compliance, identity management, cloud security and emerging areas such as AI security and post-quantum cryptography.
The report also highlights regional disparities in the availability of digital talent and continuing gender imbalances in digital specialist occupations. Women account for approximately one-fifth of digital specialists in Ireland and remain underrepresented in ICT education and employment pathways.
Chair of the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs, Colm Kelly, said:
"This study shows that Ireland starts from a position of considerable strength, with a growing digital workforce and a strong international reputation in technology and innovation. However, the pace of technological change means that continuing success cannot be taken for granted. The report points to the need for a coordinated response focused not only on increasing supply, but also on strengthening the quality, relevance and adaptability of Ireland's digital skills system."
The report identifies seven key findings and nine recommended actions aimed at strengthening Ireland's future digital specialist talent pipeline. Recommendations include expanding education and training capacity in high-growth technology areas, enhancing collaboration between industry and education providers, strengthening work-based learning opportunities, scaling up upskilling provision and improving labour-market intelligence and forecasting.
Chair of the Steering Group, Philip Maguire, said:
"The evidence gathered through this study demonstrates the importance of maintaining a dynamic and responsive skills ecosystem. Demand is becoming increasingly concentrated in high-value specialist roles and employers are placing growing emphasis on practical experience, multidisciplinary capabilities and continuous learning. Addressing these challenges will require sustained collaboration between employers, education and training providers, policymakers and learners themselves.
“Our work highlights that Ireland's future digital skills challenge is one of volume, alignment, specialisation and adaptability. It emphasises that stronger work-based learning, flexible upskilling pathways, industry engagement and targeted action on participation and diversity will be critical to ensuring Ireland has the digital specialist talent needed to support future economic growth and innovation. The importance of attracting and retaining international talent should not be underestimated in this space, including the provision of clear employment permit pathways for priority roles”.
