A new report this month from the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) has highlighted the significant impact demographic change is expected to have on Ireland’s labour market over the coming decades, underlining the importance of long-term workforce and skills planning.

The report, Skills Needs for Ireland in the Long-term, projects that Ireland’s population could increase by close to one million people over the next two to three decades while also continuing to age. While population growth presents opportunities for economic expansion, the report warns that demographic change will place increasing pressure on labour supply and workforce participation.

The analysis highlights the need for long-term policy measures to support enterprise growth, productivity and the delivery of public services, with a particular emphasis on expanding labour market participation and strengthening skills development across all stages of working life.

Key areas identified include:

• Supporting more people to enter and remain in the workforce;
• Investing in education, training and workforce adaptability;
• Strengthening long-term skills planning to meet future business needs; and
• Expanding lifelong learning opportunities to support productivity and resilience.

The report notes that while Ireland’s labour market remains strong, demographic trends mean that sustaining economic growth and competitiveness will require continued investment in people, skills and workforce participation.

For Dublin Chamber, the findings reinforce the need to move at pace on skills policy and ensure investment is aligned with labour market demand. As set out in Dublin Chamber’s Pre-Budget Submission 2027, ensuring businesses have access to the talent they need will require a stronger focus on employer-led upskilling, more effective deployment of the National Training Fund and targeted measures to increase participation in apprenticeships and workforce development.

Dublin Chamber welcomes the publication of this report and supports a stronger focus on workforce participation, skills development and long-term planning to ensure Ireland remains competitive and resilient in the years ahead.

For the full report, see here.