Tech hiring in Ireland optimistic despite layoffs
DUBLIN, IRELAND — Ireland’s technology sector shows signs of recovering after a wave of high-profile layoffs in 2023.
According to a new survey by Irish recruitment firm Stelfox, 41% of tech employers plan to expand hiring this year, even as most continue to face talent shortages.
The country relies heavily on multinational tech giants, which accounted for an estimated 40% of all European tech job cuts over the past three years. However, Ireland’s services exports total hit a record €340 billion in 2023.
“As the tech skill demands outstrip supply, many companies are embracing a new culture of learning,” said Clare McDonald, commercial director at Stelfox.
The most in-demand tech roles include data science, artificial intelligence (AI), security, software engineering, product management and software engineering methodology, and DevOps.
Among the top emerging skills are Web 3.0, digital AI assistants, hyper-automation, and cloud-native platforms.
Tech hiring sentiment rebounded in late 2023 after pandemic-era overexpansion. Leading forecasts predict Ireland’s economy will grow nearly between 2-4% this year as domestic spending remains robust.
While recent layoffs brought uncertainty, Ireland’s highly educated workforce and business-friendly policies continue to attract investment. The country’s flexible labor regulations also enable shifting skills demand.
