Ireland’s Tech Talent Crunch Isn’t Slowing Down

Ireland’s technology sector is caught in a high-stakes hiring battle — and it’s only heating up.

From Dublin to Galway, demand for top-tier developers, cloud engineers, AI and ML specialists, and cybersecurity experts continues to outpace supply. For employers, especially Irish SMEs and mid-sized firms, the challenge isn’t just finding talent — it’s holding onto it in a landscape where multinationals offer prestige, perks, and pay packages that can be hard to match.

But it’s not game over. With a better understanding of what tech professionals actually want — and how to deliver it — Irish employers can stay competitive, even in this crowded market.

Ireland’s Tech Hiring Landscape in 2025

Ireland remains a leading hub for global tech operations — from major multinationals to a fast-growing start-up ecosystem. According to Enterprise Ireland, over 100,000 people are now employed in Irish tech companies, and demand remains strong across software development, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and data science.

Yet the hiring market remains tight. A recent Microsoft Ireland report found that 80% of Irish organisations face skills gaps when it comes to emerging technologies like AI and cloud. And while layoffs in Big Tech made headlines in 2023, many of those professionals have since been snapped up — often by competitors in Ireland or remote-first firms abroad.

So where does that leave local Irish employers?

Why Tech Professionals Are Moving — or Staying

Our latest Mason Alexander 2025 Talent Insights survey revealed exactly what’s motivating tech candidates to change roles in Ireland:

• Higher salary: 61%
• Better work-life balance: 55%
• Seeking new challenges: 57%
• Career advancement opportunities: 53%
• Company culture fit: 37%

These findings suggest that while salary is still a top driver, it's not everything. In fact, job content and long-term career pathways matter more than ever — especially in a competitive and purpose-driven workforce.

Six Ways Irish Employers Can Compete (and Win)

1. Rethink Salary Strategy — but Focus Beyond Pay

Yes, tech salaries have surged. But matching multinational paychecks isn’t the only way to stay competitive. Offering clear progression paths, investing in employee learning, and personalising benefits (e.g. wellness stipends, equity options, or remote work support) are strategies SMEs and Irish-owned businesses can offer.

2. Offer Flexible, Modern Work Models

Flexibility isn’t a perk — it’s a priority.

Among technology professionals in our 2025 survey:

• 49% prefer hybrid
• 40% prefer fully remote
• Just 4% prefer full-time onsite work

Employers that continue to push rigid in-office policies risk losing top candidates to more progressive competitors.

3. Build an Employer Brand That Reflects Real Values

Tech professionals are increasingly driven by culture, impact, and authenticity. Investing in employer branding isn’t just about fancy perks — it’s about:

• Highlighting your mission and purpose
• Showcasing team stories and career growth
• Demonstrating real commitments to DEI, innovation, and flexibility

With so many professionals passively open to new roles, what your company looks like online matters as much as the role itself.

4. Invest in Upskilling and Internal Mobility

With AI and automation reshaping many tech roles, internal upskilling is crucial. Giving your team the chance to pivot — from traditional development to AI engineering, or from infrastructure to cloud security — can reduce hiring strain and boost retention.

According to LinkedIn’s 2024 Workplace Learning Report, companies with strong internal mobility retain employees for nearly twice as long.

5. Get Strategic About Talent Pipelines

Don't just hire reactively. Build long-term tech talent strategies by:

• Partnering with universities and coding bootcamps
• Running employer-sponsored training or apprenticeships
• Tapping into global remote talent when local supply is tight

In-demand roles like AI Engineers, Cloud Architects, and Mobile Developers are especially scarce — so planning ahead pays off.

6. Partner with Specialist Tech Recruiters

Navigating the competitive tech talent landscape requires more than just a strong job ad — it requires insight, reach, and speed. Partnering with a specialist technology recruitment agency like Mason Alexander can give employers access to pre-vetted, high-quality candidates, market insights, and faster hiring timelines. With deep networks across the Irish and international tech ecosystem, agencies can help companies stay ahead of demand and reduce the cost of a bad hire.

Final Thoughts

The tech talent landscape in Ireland is more competitive than ever — but not unwinnable.

With the right strategy, smaller employers and scaling companies can compete with global giants. The key? Clarity, culture, and candidate-first thinking. Employers that adapt, listen, and act with intention will be the ones who stand out.

Invest in your brand, streamline your process, and put people at the centre of your hiring strategy — and you’ll not only attract top-tier tech talent, you’ll retain them.

The tug of war for tech talent is real — but with the right strategy, you don’t have to lose ground.

Need Help Winning the Tech Talent Tug of War?

To stay competitive in a tight tech market, employers need every advantage — from flexibility and employer branding to the right recruitment partner. At Mason Alexander, our specialist technology recruitment team connects forward-thinking companies with the talent they need to scale. We support employers with custom recruitment strategies and access to Ireland’s top technology professionals.

🔹 From backend and frontend developers to AI engineers and cybersecurity talent
🔹 Across all of Ireland, particularly Dublin, Cork, Galway, and Limerick
🔹 With insights that help you stand out in a competitive market

Let’s work together to build the teams that will shape Ireland’s tech future. Contact us today.