Up significantly from last year’s research, companies are struggling to find the employees needed to drive their businesses forward.
EY Ireland has published the results of the fifth annual Tech Leaders Outlook Survey, which explores how Ireland’s technology leaders are navigating challenges and opportunities in the sector. What was discovered is that the AI skills gap and the shortage of appropriately skilled personnel, is a significant barrier to success.
During the months of March and April, EY Ireland collected data from 150 senior technology leaders across Ireland, primarily individuals with strategic decision-making, accountability, technology or data responsibilities, as well as those in innovation or transformation leadership roles. Sectors included Government, infrastructure, consumer, health, industrial, energy, telecommunications and technology.
The research found that the skills shortage in Ireland has deepened significantly since last year, with the number of technology leaders citing a shortage of skilled employees as the most significant barrier to executing their agenda, up from 24pc last year to 36pc in 2026.
In 2025, 6pc of leaders who contributed to the research stated internal capacity was a concern when aiming to drive change, compared to today where that same concern is held by 16pc of participants. This is occurring in a landscape where almost 20pc of respondents are prioritising succession planning and leadership development.
