Ireland Launches “Silicon Island” Strategy to Cement Role in Global Semiconductor Sector

Ireland’s ambitious new National Semiconductor Strategy, titled Silicon Island, has been officially launched by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, at a dedicated industry event. This landmark initiative is aimed at strengthening Ireland’s position in the global semiconductor market and delivering on a core Programme for Government commitment.

Aligned with the European Chips Act and the EU Digital Decade, Silicon Island provides a strategic roadmap for advancing Ireland’s semiconductor capabilities. It outlines a vision to expand high-value job creation, attract world-class investment, and enhance Ireland’s global leadership in advanced technologies such as AI, quantum computing, and green innovation.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Burke highlighted the scale of the opportunity:

“We’re setting our sights on the next frontier: semiconductors. Ireland already has a strong foundation—with more than 130 indigenous and multinational companies, 20,000 jobs, and €13.5 billion in annual exports. With the right backing, we could grow this even further. By 2040, Ireland could support up to 34,500 semiconductor roles.”

Developed in consultation with industry leaders, academia, government bodies, and research organisations, the strategy focuses on strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem, developing a future-proof talent pipeline, and capitalising on emerging opportunities in areas such as advanced manufacturing, chip design, and R&D.

Key priorities include:

• Attracting major industrial investments, including a leading-edge chip fabrication facility in a regional location

• Supporting start-ups and spinouts with funding and commercialisation pathways

• Strengthening Ireland’s research capacity and promoting the country as a hub of semiconductor innovation on the international stage

Minister Burke emphasised the broader significance of the strategy:

“From AI to climate tech, semiconductors power the technologies that will define our future. With Silicon Island, Ireland is stepping up to help deliver on the European Chips Act and secure a place at the heart of Europe’s digital economy. The work is already underway—with over €70 million in national and EU funding committed to Tyndall’s involvement in three EU Pilot Lines, the creation of I-C3, our national competence centre, and our participation in the IPCEI on Microelectronics.”

The strategy will be guided by a newly formed, industry-led Semiconductor Advisory Council, ensuring that progress remains aligned with national priorities and international trends.

Professor William Scanlon, CEO of the Tyndall National Institute, welcomed the launch:

“We’re proud to support the Government’s vision for semiconductors in Ireland. As the national institute for semiconductor research, Tyndall is committed to driving innovation, collaboration, and skills development that will make this strategy a success.”

Silicon Island marks a bold new chapter in Ireland’s industrial strategy—placing chips at the centre of national economic ambition and setting the stage for Ireland to emerge as a global leader in semiconductor technology.