Tech industry given €1.9m boost to attract top talent to Ireland

The Irish government has unveiled a new €1.9m initiative to boost the nation’s tech industry, cementing Ireland’s place as a key destination for tech talent.

The new initiative, called Tech/Life Ireland, is funded by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and will be delivered in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, IDA Ireland and the tech industry to entice as many as 3,000 top tech professionals to the country every year.

Using social media and digital marketing, the initiative showcases the lifestyle, tech environment and job opportunities available to tech talent across the country.

Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, said: “If we are to continue to win overseas investment in ICT-related jobs, and to grow the strong base of Irish-owned companies in ICT and related areas, we need to ensure that we have a sufficient supply of talent to meet the needs of enterprises.

“The growth we are seeing in ICT employment requires use to supplement the supply of our own excellent graduates with overseas talent.”

Ms Mitchell O’Connor insists the investment to procure talent outside Ireland will not limit the opportunities for Irish tech graduates, but “will add to the overall diversity, knowledge base and experience in the ICT workforce”.

Karl Flannery, chief executive of Storm Technology and chair of the Tech/Life Ireland delivery group believes the investment will help recognise the need to attract top talent to work in Ireland.

“We have engaged extensively together to understand the needs of the industry in the coming years and to develop this initiative.

“We are delighted to launch it today. I would encourage companies to register with the initiative and keep Ireland’s tech sector thriving through the attraction of the world’s best talent.”

Demand for tech talent relates not only to the software sector but also to additional sectors, namely financial services, business services, retail and high-end manufacturing.

Martin Shanahan, chief executive, IDA Ireland, said the time is right to build on the nation’s growing reputation as a global tech hub.

“This has earned Ireland the reputation for being the heart of the ICT industry in Europe,” said Shanahan.

“The high quality of life available in Ireland, coupled with a thriving ICT sector attracts talent from around the world. This has been a key factor in the success of multinational companies here.

“IDA Ireland sees this trend continuing as more and more technology companies choose Ireland as a gateway to service the global market.”

Date published 27 Jun 2016 | Last updated 27 Jun 2016