Q2 2025 Market Recap: Where the Opportunities Are for Contractors in Ireland

Q2 brought major updates across Tech, Engineering, and Pharma that contractors need to know about. Whether you’re considering your next move or advising clients as a recruiter, here’s where demand is rising and how future-ready professionals can position themselves for success.

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As we move through 2025, Ireland’s independent contracting landscape continues to evolve — and Q2 brought major updates across Tech, Engineering, and Pharma that contractors need to know about. Whether you’re considering your next move or advising clients as a recruiter, here’s where demand is rising and how future-ready professionals can position themselves for success.


Tech: AI and Cloud Driving Demand

A staggering 93% of business leaders are boosting investment in tech, reinforcing the sector’s resilience and importance across industries.

Noteworthy announcements from Sony Interactive Entertainment and Squarespace highlight continued hiring momentum. Meanwhile, 36% of Irish startups now embed AI at their core — surpassing the EU average of 29%.

In-demand roles:

  • Cloud Engineers & Architects
  • Cybersecurity experts (Penetration Testers, Analysts)
  • AI Specialists

These roles are critical as Ireland strengthens its cloud infrastructure and braces for growing cyber threats — particularly in the hybrid work era.


Engineering: A High Demand Skill on the Rise

The Engineering sector is booming, but there’s a growing concern: a looming skills shortage due to falling graduate numbers. This is creating a golden window of opportunity for experienced contractors. If you're an engineer with niche expertise, you’re in high demand — and it’s only going to increase.

Highlights this quarter:

  • European Space Agency Phi-Lab launched in Ireland
  • IBM expansion in the southeast with new software engineering jobs
  • KCB opens new office in Naas

Pharma & Life Sciences: Innovation vs Uncertainty

Ireland remains a key player in global pharma, but the market is facing some uncertainty due to US tariff policies that could affect exports. Still, innovation is thriving:

  • Astellas investing €129 million across Irish sites
  • University of Galway spearheading a €34 million health-tech research hub

Life sciences contractors with clinical, regulatory, or R&D experience will continue to see strong opportunities, especially in health-tech and biotech innovations.

Q3 2025 Outlook: Contractors in the Driver’s Seat

Across all sectors, one thing is clear: future-ready skills win.

With competitive day rates and the flexibility to choose your projects, contracting in Ireland remains an attractive, resilient career path — especially as companies seek agile, specialised talent to deliver on ambitious growth plans. Icon Accounting is here to support you — from smart tax planning to contractor-first advisory services. Reach out today and let’s make Q3 your strongest quarter yet.

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Shauna McEntee

Shauna McEntee

Marketing

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