Jump Back
“Ireland is in an unusual market moment”, Ed Heffernan, Managing Partner of recruitment and talent advisory firm Barden, points out. With the unemployment rate at a relatively low 4.2%, we are currently facing a pivotal time when talent attraction and retention are critical concerns for many CEOs heading into the next year.
“Talent attraction and talent retention are key challenges that are in the minds of most CEOs in Ireland at the moment,” he explains. “As we look forward, Barden wants to play an active role to improve this situation.”
One of the biggest challenges for Ireland right now is the shortage of professional talent across almost every sector. Ed highlights this, saying, “Ireland will never be what it can be unless we have our best and our brightest back on our shores.” He points to the Irish diaspora, a valuable but often under-utilised resource, as essential to bridging this talent gap. Hundreds of thousands of people who have grown up and studied in Ireland now live overseas, with 50.8% of them in the UK, 20% in the US, 5.6% in Australia, and 4.8% in Canada. For many, now could be their “natural time to come home.” These individuals possess a wealth of experience, skills, and perspectives that could greatly benefit Ireland’s growth if we can successfully encourage them to return.
“There are needs in almost every facet of the market”, Ed explains. “Specific areas like engineering, data analytics, and commercial finance have pressing talent deficits. The demand isn’t limited to these areas alone but rather reflects the broad need for talent that spans industries.”
It is well documented and discussed that Ireland is experiencing a housing crisis, an issue that may deter skilled professionals from returning. However, it is equally important to communicate that housing challenges are not unique to Ireland and are being experienced in an array of Western countries. While this problem is systemic and falls outside the recruitment profession’s remit, it is deeply intertwined with the ability to bring talent back. Ed highlights the importance of not only addressing the housing shortage but also of bringing in construction professionals to meet this demand. “The recruitment profession has a role to play here, to encourage project managers, site managers, and construction workers to Ireland,” he says.
Ireland offers substantial career growth and economic opportunities, particularly for professionals suited to “Ireland’s evolution into a knowledge-based economy,” Ed notes. With many global headquarters here, including numerous US multinationals, Ireland is a hub for highly skilled professionals. Recent statistics reflect investor confidence: the government’s €14 billion budget windfall and a 2% GDP growth in Q3 2024—far ahead of the EU average of 0.3%. However, to sustain this growth, Ed explains, “we need knowledge coming home. We can’t progress without our best people, and some of our best people have chosen to move overseas and spend time there. Now, they have an opportunity to come home and bring that knowledge and experience with them.” This return of skilled talent, he believes, will be essential for Ireland to realise its full potential.
In closing, Ed summarises Barden’s mission: “We are spending time and money to create awareness among the Irish diaspora that Ireland will be a great place to live and work over the coming decades, and that we need them back here to become the country we were destined to become.” Bringing Ireland’s best and brightest back to their roots, he believes, is a necessary step in shaping the country’s future. As the world changes, so too must Ireland, and the return of skilled professionals is an essential part of that evolution.