Ireland, often called the “Emerald Isle” for its lush landscapes and rich heritage, is now planting its flag in the high-tech world of semiconductors. Known for its business-friendly environment and skilled workforce, Ireland has long attracted global tech giants. Now, with its ambitious Silicon Island strategy, the country aims to transform itself into a powerhouse of semiconductor innovation and manufacturing.
This new national plan positions Ireland at the heart of Europe’s drive to boost chip production, create tens of thousands of high-tech jobs, and reduce dependence on overseas suppliers.
As Silicon Island takes shape, Ireland is poised to become a vital player in the global semiconductor race.
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5 Key Points: Ireland’s Silicon Island Semiconductor Strategy
Ambitious job creation: Ireland targets 34,500 new semiconductor jobs by 2040, nearly doubling its current workforce.
Strong industry presence: 15 of the world’s top 30 semiconductor companies operate in Ireland, including Intel, Qualcomm, and Analog Devices.
Major R&D and funding: Over €70 million is allocated for EU pilot projects and national research, focusing on innovation and manufacturing.
Skills development focus: New hands-on training programs launch to address a global semiconductor talent shortage.
National visibility: The plan raises semiconductors as a standalone sector in Ireland’s industrial policy, boosting the country’s global profile.
Ireland’s Semiconductor Legacy: A Strong Foundation
Ireland’s semiconductor journey began more than four decades ago, when industry giants like Analog Devices and Intel first established operations in the country.
Today, the nation hosts over 130 semiconductor companies, including some of the biggest global players such as Qualcomm, Intel, and Analog Devices.
The semiconductor sector is already a vital part of Ireland’s economy, with around 20,000 people employed and exports valued at €13.5 billion annually. Ireland’s unique position is further strengthened by the presence of three of the top five global Electronic Design Automation (EDA) companies — Cadence, Siemens, and Synopsys — operating in the country.
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What is ‘Silicon Island’?
Silicon Island is Ireland’s comprehensive national semiconductor strategy, designed to capitalize on the country’s existing strengths and align with the European Union’s Chips Act.
The EU Chips Act, introduced in 2023, aims to increase Europe’s share of global semiconductor production to 20% by 2030, reducing dependency on Asia and the U.S.
“We are setting our sights on the next frontier: semiconductors. With the right support, Ireland can do far more to become a global leader in this critical sector.”Peter Burke, Ireland’s Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment
Ambitious Goals and Key Investments
Ireland aims to create 34,500 new semiconductor jobs by 2040, almost doubling its current workforce. This target shows the government’s confidence in growing the sector substantially over the next 15 years.
Funding plays a crucial role. Ireland has allocated over €70 million in combined national and EU funds to support research, development, and manufacturing. Much of this money goes to institutions like the Tyndall National Institute, which participates in three EU semiconductor pilot lines. Ireland also collaborates with 14 other EU countries through the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI), focusing on microelectronics innovation.
| Investment Area | Funding Amount (EUR) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| National Government | €30 million | Infrastructure and R&D support |
| EU Horizon Programs | €25 million | Semiconductor pilot projects |
| Industry Partnerships | €15 million | Support for startups and SMEs |
| Total | €70 million+ | Growing Ireland’s chip ecosystem |
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Tackling the Semiconductor Skills Shortage
One of the biggest challenges for Ireland and the global semiconductor industry is the shortage of skilled talent. Semiconductor jobs require specialized knowledge and hands-on experience, particularly in manufacturing cleanroom environments.
To address this, Tyndall National Institute and Munster Technical University are launching a new semiconductor manufacturing course in 2026. The program will offer practical training, including cleanroom access, to prepare students for immediate industry roles.
“Bridging the skills gap needs coordinated efforts across education and lifelong learning. Our task force will work to identify where we can improve and scale training.”Giorgos Fagas, Strategic Development Director at Tyndall, explained
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Strengthening Ireland’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
Beyond multinational giants, Silicon Island aims to nurture a full ecosystem, including startups and small to medium enterprises (SMEs). This approach helps create innovation hubs and supports homegrown technology companies.
Historically, Ireland’s industrial policies focused broadly on digital technologies. The new semiconductor strategy places chips front and center, increasing visibility and attracting more investment.
Ireland recently joined the Semicon Coalition, a Europe-wide alliance that fosters collaboration on research, manufacturing, and commercialization in semiconductors. This partnership will further elevate Ireland’s status on the global chip map.
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Why Ireland Matters in Europe’s Chip Race
As geopolitical tensions disrupt global supply chains, the EU’s goal to boost local semiconductor production is more urgent than ever.
Ireland’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and existing industry footprint position it as a critical piece in Europe’s semiconductor puzzle.
By expanding its semiconductor ecosystem and training talent, Ireland supports Europe’s broader ambition of technological sovereignty.
If successful, Silicon Island will not only create jobs and economic growth but also strengthen Europe’s position in this highly competitive global market.
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Conclusion
Ireland’s Silicon Island is more than a national strategy — it’s a clear signal that the country intends to play a major role in shaping the future of semiconductors in Europe and the world. Through focused investment, partnerships, and skills development, Ireland is ready to ride the semiconductor wave and power the next era of innovation.
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