DUBLIN — A recent study reveals that 40% of engineering and construction companies in Ireland are now offering financial incentives and relocation packages in a bid to attract international talent. The report, conducted by Sonas Technical, a recruitment firm specializing in sectors such as pharma and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, construction, and utilities, highlights the increasing competition for skilled workers.
The research identifies significant barriers, including high living costs and housing shortages, as major obstacles preventing skilled professionals, including returning Irish expatriates, from relocating to Ireland. According to Sonas Technical, while the government’s newly launched information portal, “Build Back Home,” aims to encourage Irish construction workers living abroad to return, it fails to address key financial concerns.
“The website provides guidance on overcoming logistical challenges like red tape, but without tax breaks or housing supports, the significant cost of living remains a deterrent for many,” the firm stated in its report.
The study further indicates that 55% of the companies surveyed plan to expand their workforce over the next 12 months, underscoring the urgent need for skilled labor in the industry. Industry leaders are now calling for government action to implement temporary, targeted tax breaks and housing supports linked to the Critical Skills Employment Permit, which could incentivize more international professionals to relocate.
“While companies are stepping up with tailored relocation packages, government intervention is essential,” said Derek Byrne, Managing Director of Sonas Technical. “By linking tax breaks and housing supports to the Critical Skills Employment Permit, the Government can directly address the cost of living and housing challenges that international talent faces.”
Byrne emphasized that these temporary measures would play a crucial role in attracting the skilled professionals necessary to meet Ireland’s housing targets and to complete critical infrastructure projects, such as the Metrolink.
The need for skilled labor is particularly pressing as the country continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and aims to bolster its infrastructure. The construction and engineering sectors are vital to this recovery, and securing international talent is seen as essential to fulfilling ongoing and future projects.
As the competition for talent intensifies, the success of initiatives like “Build Back Home” may depend on how effectively the government can address financial barriers faced by potential returnees and international applicants. With the right support in place, industry leaders believe Ireland can become a more attractive destination for skilled professionals, ultimately benefiting the nation’s economy and infrastructure development efforts.
