Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape employment trends in Ireland, with early signs pointing to reduced job opportunities for young graduates in parts of the country’s tech-driven economy.
Research from Ireland’s finance department found that the labour market is particularly exposed to AI due to its strong concentration in knowledge-intensive sectors such as technology, science and financial services.
Between 2023 and 2025, employment in AI-exposed sectors grew by about 4%, slightly below the 4.5% growth seen in medium-risk industries and well behind the 6.25% growth recorded in low-risk sectors.
Among younger workers aged 15 to 29, employment in AI-vulnerable roles declined by 1% overall and dropped sharply by 20% in technology firms. In contrast, employment among tech workers aged 30 to 59 rose by 12% during the same period.
Meanwhile, sectors less exposed to AI saw stronger job growth for younger employees compared to older workers.
Researchers cautioned that it may be too early to attribute these shifts entirely to AI replacing human roles, but the trend suggests structural change is underway.
Finance Minister Simon Harris said the findings place Ireland at the forefront of AI-related labour market transformation and highlighted the need for stronger investment in reskilling and upskilling initiatives.
