Software in Ireland

Ireland has a dynamic and flourishing software industry with sixteen out of the top twenty global software companies based here. It is the second largest exporter of software, computer and IT services in the world.  Over 1,000 digital companies operate here including Apple, Cisco, Google, IBM, Intel, Meta, Microsoft, TikTok and Twitter. There are many small to medium enterprises and dynamic tech start ups.

The software industry, government agencies, regulatory authorities and academia all collaborate to drive research and development into innovative new products and services to meet customer needs. Founded in 2005, Lero is Science Foundation Ireland’s centre for software research. Ranked second among software research centres worldwide for citations, it is regarded as one of the most prestigious.

What’s It All About?

Software is ingrained in every aspect of our lives from transport, education, healthcare, banking, retail, telecommunications, social media and consumer technology.  It has had a profound impact on society, optimising processes, enhancing productivity, improving healthcare, giving easier access to information and transforming the way we communicate.

Skills and Knowledge

Although the terms Software Engineer and Software Developer are used interchangeably, both play a key role in developing innovative software solutions. Software Engineers will usually take overall responsibility for a project and liaise with the business to define objectives, whilst Software Developers will work on areas such as coding and testing according to the technical specification. There are a multitude of areas you may work in as a Software Engineer or Developer. You may like to work with one of the social media or ecommerce giants, in cloud services or in the expanding gaming sector. Or you may wish to use software as a platform for the greater good, such as digital inclusion tools, assistive technology or reducing and redistributing food waste.

The increase in identity theft and cyber attacks, which have a devastating effect on individuals and businesses alike, have seen new software solutions in data security and in the Internet of Things. Examples include software that allows mobile and internet access to a business whilst also protecting against the growing threat of cyber attacks. Software has also been developed to protect customers’ digital identity and to help in the fight against financial crime, by identifying suspicious transactions online, which may indicate that money laundering is taking place.

Other areas where you may work as a Software Engineer or Developer include embedded systems such as medical devices, fitness trackers, drones, home automation, security and theatre systems, video controllers, satellite communication and aircraft flight control systems to name but a few.

As roles become more multidisciplinary, software development skills combined with business, data analytics and foreign languages are highly sought after. Whilst you should have an aptitude for maths, creativity, problem solving and analytical skills are just as important. As well as technical skills you should have good communication skills to work effectively as part of a team.

Most positions required a third level qualification, usually in computer science, software engineering, maths or a related discipline. However, there are multiple pathways to join the IT sector where there are skills shortages. These options include;

• FIT Tech Apprenticeships where you learn and earn, are open to school leavers or those who wish to upskill or retrain. Further information available here.
• ICT Skillnet offers free and subsidised training, part-time & online, in critical technology skills. Further information available here.
• Springboard Courses offer free and heavily subsidised courses, including ICT skills conversion courses, to address skills shortages. Further information is available here.
• Further information on careers in Data Centres is available here
• Further information on careers in Cybersecurity is available here

Employment in ICT has increased by a third in Ireland to a new high of 174,000. Growth in highly skilled software development and systems analysts’ jobs have contributed to much of this growth. Any of the routes described above will give you the opportunity to work in this dynamic, thriving sector which offers excellent opportunities for career advancement.