Ireland’s logistics pipeline is under sharper focus as the Department of Transport refreshes its long-term workforce plan. The latest update on the gov.ie publication for the Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group outlines how industry, education providers and government bodies are working together to address talent gaps, career awareness and future transport needs.
First established in 2019, the Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group (LSCSG) was created to support careers promotion, skills development and sustainable employment across the sector. The group was formed following recommendations from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs and is chaired by the Department of Transport, reflecting its central role in the wider transport economy. Other public stakeholders involved include Social Protection, Further and Higher Education, and Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
gov.ie update on the Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group
The refreshed publication confirms that the LSCSG agreed a new work programme for 2024-2027 after a plenary meeting held on 8 May 2024. The programme contains 12 priority actions and is closely aligned with Ireland’s Road Haulage Strategy 2022-2031, the State’s first dedicated strategy for the haulage and road freight sector.
That strategy is designed to:
- improve efficiency across road freight operations
- raise professional and safety standards
- support employment and long-term job security
- help the sector transition toward a lower-carbon future
Under the new structure, action leads have been assigned to each priority area and are expected to report progress at quarterly LSCSG meetings through to late 2027. Subgroups may also be set up where collaborative delivery is needed.
Careers, training and research in Ireland’s logistics sector
A major part of the gov.ie update is the continued push to make logistics careers more visible. In 2025, the group published a guide on associate and specialist roles in logistics and supply chain, offering practical information on job responsibilities, required skills and potential earnings.
Earlier career resources published by the group also include:
- a careers brochure covering the range of roles in the sector
- an overview of existing education and training provision
- a directory of Irish logistics and supply chain research networks and institutes
These resources are particularly relevant for students, career changers and employers seeking a clearer picture of workforce development in Transport, Further and Higher Education, and Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
Read more: latest Ireland government policy news and public sector workforce updates
Skills Week and public engagement
The publication also highlights the role of Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week, first launched in 2023. The 2026 edition, held from 16 to 24 April, included events around the country and the LogisTYcs Skills Expo for Transition Year students. The initiative is aimed at encouraging students, new entrants and career switchers to consider opportunities in a globally connected, high-value sector.
This careers-led approach complements the work of agencies and departments across the State, including the National Transport Authority (NTA), the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) on employment standards, and broader policy links to Climate Action, Education and Public Expenditure.
HGV driver shortage remains a key issue
One of the most practical strands in the gov.ie publication remains the Heavy Goods Vehicle driver shortage. In 2021, then Minister of State Hildegarde Naughton asked the LSCSG to examine the issue and propose actions for both government and industry.
The recommendations were designed to ease supply pressures without weakening driver welfare, working conditions or road safety. That balance matters not just for employers, but also for bodies such as the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Revenue Commissioners, An Garda Síochána and other parts of the wider Irish transport and compliance system.
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Why this gov.ie publication matters
This gov.ie update shows that logistics is no longer viewed as a back-office industry. It sits at the centre of trade, mobility, supply resilience and economic competitiveness. With annual reports, career tools, research directories and targeted action on driver shortages, the LSCSG is building a more coordinated talent strategy for Ireland.
The clear takeaway is that gov.ie is positioning logistics and supply chain as a strategic national priority, linking Transport policy with Education, Social Protection and Enterprise planning. For anyone tracking Irish government policy, freight reform or future jobs, this is a significant development worth following closely.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
