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Minister of State at the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Marian Harkin TD, and Billy Kelleher, MEP for Ireland South, attended a Skillnet Ireland regional roadshow enterprise event at the Future Mobility Campus, Shannon, Co Clare, on Friday, November 21st, 2025. Also in attendance was Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and at the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment, Timmy Dooley TD.

A recent research report from Skillnet Ireland entitled Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business, authored by Ipsos B&A, shows a strong demand for upskilling among businesses in counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary, with a particular focus on digitalisation and the green economy. The report was launched at an enterprise event, attended by a broad range of businesses from across the Mid-West region.

Speaking at the event, Minister Harkin said: “I am delighted to be here today to underline the significant role that skills development plays in strengthening our regions. This report clearly highlights how businesses in the Mid-West are taking steps to equip their workforce with the skills they need to navigate a more sustainable and digital future. I want to acknowledge the foresight of businesses in this region that are engaging proactively with this skills agenda. Their commitment to empowering their people through upskilling will ensure that these regions remain resilient, competitive, and ready to embrace future opportunities.”

MEP Billy Kelleher said: “The future competitiveness of Ireland’s regions will depend on how effectively we empower SMEs with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. Skillnet Ireland’s work in delivering industry-led talent supports is a critical component of Ireland retaining its competitive advantage. By equipping local enterprises with the tools and expertise they need, we strengthen not just individual businesses, but the entire region’s capacity to innovate and grow sustainably.”

The findings revealed that over one-third (34%) of businesses in Ireland’s Mid-West will require digital upskilling for their workforce in the next two to three years. The report will inform Skillnet Ireland’s strategic commitment to the regional development of businesses facing an increasingly digital future, and a low-carbon and sustainable economy, as well as aiming to bolster foreign direct investment through a focus on talent development.

Five Skillnet Business Networks are based in the Mid-West, including Shannon Chamber Skillnet, Limerick Chamber Skillnet, County Tipperary Chamber Skillnet, Next Level Skillnet and Sustainable Enterprise Skillnet. Over 2,600 businesses and 8,700 individuals in the region participate in upskilling programmes with Networks. The Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, based in Limerick, also provides upskilling programmes focused on corporate climate and sustainability considerations, for businesses.

Mark Jordan, Skillnet Ireland Chief Executive, added: “The findings of this report highlight a strong commitment among businesses in the Mid-West to embrace innovation and prepare for the future through strategic upskilling. Whether it’s responding to the demands of climate action, digital transformation, or emerging technologies, our Skillnet Business Networks and National Initiatives are dedicated to providing industry-led supports that reflect real business needs. By fostering this culture of continuous learning, and by collaborating closely with local enterprises, we are helping to future-proof the regional economy and drive long-term growth and competitiveness.”

The research, part of the national talent development agency’s Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, highlights the upskilling demands of companies in counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary to remain competitive in Ireland’s rapidly evolving digital and green economy.

82% of businesses surveyed in the Mid-West regard their business as strong or very strong, while 67% expect a change in their core skills in the next two to three years. Almost half (42%) of businesses in the region said they will need sustainability upskilling for their workforce in the coming years. Energy efficiency (83%), policy and regulation (67%) and innovation and creativity (62%) top the list of climate action skills needed by local enterprises, while digital skills such as Microsoft Office proficiency (72%), Internet of Things (61%) and cloud computing (59%), are in particularly high demand.

The research also notes that over half (51%) of businesses surveyed reported difficulties in sourcing skills to support the growth of their business.

The greatest uptake of training by sector across the Mid-West came from the agriculture sector, followed by services, food & drink, health, manufacturing, technology and tourism & travel. For business leaders, skills development plays an important role in delivering key projects related to climate action, digitalisation, innovation and modern methods of construction.

The Skillnet Ireland Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report, authored by Ipsos B&A, has built on the inaugural Ireland’s Talent Landscape study of last year. The Ireland’s Talent Landscape 2025: Future Skills Challenges of Irish Business report is available to view at https://www.skillnetireland.ie/insights/irelands-talent-landscape-2025.

About Skillnet Ireland
Skillnet Ireland is the national talent development agency of the Government of Ireland, responsible for advancing the competitiveness, productivity, and innovation of Irish businesses through enterprise-led talent development. Skillnet Ireland partners with 57 industry bodies, supporting over 24,000 businesses and more than 90,000 trainees annually, through its 70 Skillnet Business Networks and five National Initiatives – Skillnet Climate Ready Academy, Skillnet Innovation Exchange, Skillnet MMC Accelerate, Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy and MentorsWork – across most sectors and all regions in Ireland.

Skillnet Ireland is funded from the National Training Fund through the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.

To learn more about Skillnet Ireland visit www.skillnetireland.ie
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