Irish Jobs Growth to Miss 2030 Target by 104,000; International Workers Needed
An internal Department of Enterprise presentation reveals Ireland will miss its 2030 jobs target by 104,000, projecting 196,000 new jobs instead of 300,000. To address this, a significant portion of the labor supply, potentially 201,000 to 338,000 workers, must come from outside the EEA via employment permits. The analysis underscores the need for an integrated approach to attract and integrate international workers.
An internal Department of Enterprise presentation from April last year indicates that Ireland's jobs growth will significantly undershoot Government targets, requiring a substantial portion of the labor supply to come from outside the State.
The analysis projects the labor force to reach 3.1 million by 2030 (2.9 million employed, 135,000 unemployed), with growth slowing from 2.4% in 2024 to 0.7% by 2030. This translates to an increase of 196,000 jobs relative to 2024, falling well below the Government's target of creating 300,000 additional jobs by 2030. Officials noted that additions to the labor force are expected to moderate as economic growth slows and participation rates are already near historic highs.
To meet demand, the analysis deems it essential to activate those outside the labor force and attract international workers, with a significant proportion of labor supply needing to be sourced from outside the EEA via employment permits. Scenarios suggest between 201,000 and 338,000 new employment permits may be needed by 2030. The presentation emphasizes an integrated approach, ensuring migrants have access to essential services like healthcare and housing for successful integration.
The department, responding to queries, stated that newer data does not contradict these findings. A spokesman highlighted the labor market's strong performance and the success of Government policies, but acknowledged shifts in the global economy and the shared responsibility across government units for workforce participation.