Skills Needs for Ireland in the Long Term 2026-1

The Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) has published a new report, ‘Skills Needs for Ireland in the Long-term’, setting out how demographic change is likely to shape Ireland’s labour market and skills requirements in the decades ahead. The analysis indicates that Ireland’s population is expected to grow significantly while also ageing—creating both opportunities for economic growth and challenges for labour supply, skills availability and workforce participation.

Some key findings from the Note include:

• Population projected to increase by close to one-fifth over the next two to three decades—around +1 million people.
• Population ageing will intensify pressure on the labour force, increasing the need for measures that expand labour supply.
• Long-term skills planning will be required to support enterprise growth, productivity and public services.
• This report underscores the importance of lifelong learning and initiatives to help more people participate in the labour market.