Ireland’s digital economy is expanding quickly, but the country may not have enough specialised talent to meet employers’ needs. A new Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) report warns that demand for digital specialists could rise sharply by 2030, creating an urgent challenge for education, training, enterprise and Government.
Published on 28 September 2026 by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the report examines Ireland’s future requirements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering, cloud technologies and data analytics.
Digital Skills Ireland Demand Expected to Exceed Supply
The study estimates that approximately 168,800 digital specialists were employed in Ireland during 2025. Under its baseline projection, employment demand could reach around 215,400 specialists by 2030.
However, existing education, training and recruitment pathways may not keep pace. Annual shortages could reach approximately 5,500 specialists by 2030, increasing to more than 7,700 if the economy follows a high-growth scenario.
The report says the issue is not simply the number of workers available. Employers are also seeking stronger practical experience, business awareness, communication, adaptability, ethics and regulatory knowledge alongside technical expertise.
Cybersecurity and artificial intelligence lead growth
Cybersecurity is identified as Ireland’s fastest-growing technology domain. Demand is being driven by cyber resilience, identity management, cloud security, regulatory compliance, artificial intelligence security and emerging technologies such as post-quantum cryptography.
Artificial intelligence is also changing the nature of work rather than eliminating the need for digital specialists. Routine tasks may become more automated, while demand grows for professionals in AI implementation, machine learning, data engineering, governance, risk management and cloud architecture.
Read more: Ireland business and technology updates
Education and lifelong learning are central to the response
The EGFSN recommends a coordinated approach involving employers, education providers, learners and public bodies including the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland.
Its proposed measures include:
- Expanding education and training capacity in AI, cybersecurity, data and cloud technologies.
- Updating curricula regularly to reflect industry practice and regulation.
- Increasing apprenticeships, internships, placements and employer-led projects.
- Providing flexible upskilling through micro-credentials, short courses and modular learning.
- Embedding communication, critical thinking, leadership, ethics and business skills.
- Improving labour-market forecasting and digital skills intelligence.
The report also highlights the importance of attracting international specialists, retaining graduates and creating clear employment pathways for priority roles.
Regional and gender participation gaps remain
Digital employment continues to be concentrated in Dublin and the Eastern and Midland Region, leaving other areas vulnerable to persistent shortages. The report also identifies a significant gender imbalance: women account for approximately one-fifth of digital specialists in Ireland and remain underrepresented in ICT education and employment.
Broadening access, supporting regional development and improving participation will therefore be essential to building a stronger talent pipeline. Public agencies, education institutions and employers will all have a role in creating more inclusive routes into technology careers.
Explore more: Irish innovation and public policy
What the EGFSN report means for Ireland
The report provides evidence for future policy development under Ireland’s technology skills planning. Its central message is that the country must increase both the volume and quality of digital talent while ensuring workers can adapt as technologies evolve.
For employers, this means closer partnerships with colleges, universities and training providers. For workers, continuous learning will become increasingly important. For policymakers, the challenge is to align skills supply, regional opportunity, diversity and international recruitment.
Conclusion
Ireland has a strong technology base, but the projected digital specialist shortfall shows that progress cannot be taken for granted. Meeting demand will require sustained investment in education, work-based learning, lifelong upskilling, inclusion and international talent attraction. The future of Digital Skills Ireland will depend on how effectively Government, industry and education providers act together before the 2030 gap widens.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
