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Ireland

Ireland

According to the Digital Decade report 2026, Ireland is at 82.82% of individuals aged 16-74 with at least basic digital skills in 2025 after an average increase of 6.6% annually since 2023, putting the country above the EU average of 60.40% and having reached the EU 2030 target of 80%.

2026 Digital Decade Eurobarometer report for Ireland reflects Irish citizens' attitudes, priorities, and concerns regarding digital rights, AI, and the EU's digital policy goals based on research conducted between February and March 2026.

Ireland has strong assets in digitalisation, such as strong fixed connectivity, high levels of basic digital skills and a dynamic ICT ecosystem.  

Ireland has a National coalition for digital skills and jobs led by the Fastrack into Information Technology (FIT)

The Irish National Digital Decade strategic roadmap developed by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Irish Government sets out the strategic goals to be achieved by 2030, monitoring their achievement, and the target paths and key measures have been developed.  

The National Digital Strategy, 'Harnessing Digital - The Digital Ireland Framework,' supports Ireland's goal of becoming a leader in digital developments. It emphasizes digital transformation in business, infrastructure, skills, and public services. 

In Ireland various initiatives like the Digital Strategy for Schools to 2027, STEM Education Policy, Technology 2022 Ireland's Third ICT Action plan, and Action Plans for ApprenticeshipSkillnet Ireland Programmes; and eCollege, aim to enhance digital skills in education.  

Moreover, the Irish Recovery and Resilience Plan emphasizes digital transformation with measures for high-level ICT skills, providing laptops to disadvantaged students, and improving overall digital skills. The National Challenge Fund fosters research and collaboration for societal and economic challenges in the green and digital transitions, investing in digital infrastructure and school funding. 

At least basic digital skills (% of individuals aged 16-74)
EU average score: 60.4
Ireland score: 82.82
60.4 EU average score
82.82 Country score
2040
60
80
100

Ireland ranks 2nd out of the 27 EU Member States in the DESI dashboard for the Digital Decade for the 'At least basic digital skills' indicator, with 82.82% of its population possessing at least basic digital skills. 

The latest trends in digital skills in Ireland