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      Many Dublin employers report difficulty in securing skilled candidates, an issue experienced across all sectors. For others, there are challenges to retain the talent they have. Our research focuses on four talent indicators examining labour policies, skills and training, education and diversity. 

      Dublin has transformed from the capital of a largely agrarian economy to a thriving global hub in areas such as technology and financial services. Fuelled by strategic government policies and foreign investment, the backbone of this success has been a highly skilled and educated workforce.

      Highlighting the value placed on people development, when asked to consider what to prioritise, accessible education is the biggest priority for 37 percent of respondents, followed closely by effective skills and training at 32 percent.

      These are also the areas that respondents believe the city is doing best in, when compared to similar cities. 

      Talent indicators

      What should be prioritised vs how well it is performing

      Inclusive labour policies

      What matters


      Inclusive labour policies are paramount for Dublin’s social and economic wellbeing. Policies that promote equity not only ensure access to employment opportunities but also prevent social stratification and help to foster a diverse workforce.

      This contributes significantly to the vibrancy and resilience of the urban environment, which is essential for Dublin’s long-term prosperity and quality of life.

      Ireland’s labour and workforce policies are well regarded internationally, faring well when compared to other OECD counties, and supported by strong employment laws.

      This perhaps indicates why the topic isn’t singled out as a priority by our survey respondents (only 12 percent of respondents chose it as their number one talent priority).

      However, it is important to note that it is inextricably linked to addressing skills shortages – a concern seen throughout our report. Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for those seeking to enter, or indeed re-enter employment, can attract and retain a broad spectrum of talent.

      The importance of agile workplace policies has become increasingly clear in recent years as Dublin has transformed into a tech-focused city, with evolving workforce expectations.

      Yet, there is a risk that some policies are hindering our ability to attract and retain top talent across sectors, particularly in the area of personal tax.

      Reflecting on these challenges, KPMG Tax Partner Olive O’Donoghue emphasised the importance of ensuring polices not only attract new talent, but also retain those we have invested in, “We pride ourselves on being one of the best educated workforces in Europe – if not the best. But, as the landscape gets more competitive, we have to retain that talent. There has to be a focus on policies that support both emerging business and personal opportunities. Some policies are making it tough. We have to change that."

      Ultimately, fostering inclusivity in the labour market will cultivate a more vibrant, resilient, and cohesive capital for everyone.  

      Doctor looking at tablet
      There has to be a focus on policies that support both emerging business and personal opportunities. Some policies are making it tough. We have to change that.

      Olive O’Donoghue

      Partner

      KPMG in Ireland

      Making it happen


      The COVID-19 pandemic led to unprecedented changes to labour policies worldwide, and demonstrated how adaptations can be effectively implemented.

      There is now an opportunity for Dublin to leverage Ireland's employment and personal tax systems to implement measures that can make a real difference, to labour policies and workforce participation.

      Some suggestions include:

      • Tax deductions for childcare costs, similar to other European jurisdictions.
      • Tax policies designed to make it financially attractive for people to work here, including lowering personal tax rates and enhanced Special Assignee Relief Programme (SARP).

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      Effective skills and training

      What matters


      Dublin is a rapidly evolving city, driven by advancements in technology, demographic change and global trends, while facing many of the universal challenges of urban development.

      These include meeting the demands of business in an era of near full employment, the constant challenge of labour and skills shortages in areas such as critical infrastructure and ongoing demand for staff in areas such as hospitality and healthcare.

      Meanwhile, as sectors like fintech, biotechnology, and AI continue to grow, there is an increasing demand for specialised skills, that can only be met through targeted training initiatives.

      A highly skilled and trained workforce is inextricably linked to the issue of accessible education. Indeed, our research shows similar scores for both with almost a third (32 percent) of respondents prioritising skills and training as their top talent priority compared with 37 percent in the area of accessible education.

      As Dublin aspires to become a more sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready city, a coordinated approach to skills and training, guided by continued strong partnerships between government, educators and industry will be essential to unlocking the full potential of its people and economy.

      KPMG’s Head of Government Cormac Deady, emphasises the role education can play in futureproofing the city, “By investing in education and training, and guiding people to the right courses, we can build the skilled workforce we’re going to need in the future. But we need to act now.” 

      Solar panels and the Dublin quays
      We can build the skilled workforce we’re going to need in the future. But we need to act now.

      Cormac Deady

      Partner, Head of Infrastructure & Government, Head of Management Consulting

      KPMG in Ireland

      Making it happen


      Dublin’s workforce has a legacy of consistently upskilling across generations and adapting to evolving industrial needs. The city can continue to nurture talent, ensuring both new and established employees can meet future demands.

      Suggestions for further improvement:

      • Increased funding for skills and training, with a focus on expanding apprenticeship programmes.
      • Creation of a city-wide lifelong learning platform, providing access to educational resources for all.
      • Development of skills incentive programs, encouraging businesses to offer training opportunities and support workforce development.

      Position Ireland’s universities as global talent hubs by enhancing academic excellence, boosting research collaboration, and expanding international partnerships—attracting skilled individuals from sectors facing disruption and reinforcing Dublin as a hub for innovation.

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      Accessible education

      What matters


      In Dublin, where economic disparities exist, access to education can act as a powerful equaliser, unlocking opportunities for social mobility and reducing inequality.

      Accessible education is the cornerstone of social equity, and also maximises human potential, whilst having significant benefits in helping deliver a talented workforce. 

      Our research highlights its importance to the business community, with 37 percent rating it as their number talent priority. Education is also an area where Dublin is seen to perform well, with 55 percent of those surveyed saying the city does well, or very well, in this space.

      As the city’s population diversifies and evolves, ensuring access to quality education is more crucial than ever – particularly to encourage labour force participation. This means breaking down barriers related to cost, location, and traditional learning methods, making education more flexible and inclusive.

      It’s essential to offer diverse pathways to learning, catering to different needs and learning styles. For workers in industries facing disruption, accessible education opportunities can also enable upskilling and reskilling, ensuring they remain competitive in a changing job market. 

      Student in library

      Making it happen


      With a focus on inclusivity and flexibility, we can create an education system that empowers individuals to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.

      Suggestions for further improvement include:

      • Develop inclusive and accessible learning environments, integrating specialised support for students with diverse needs, including special education and non-native speakers.
      • Expand our digital learning infrastructure, this includes expanding online degree programmes and integrating AI-driven learning tools.
      • Foster stronger partnerships between universities, vocational training institutes, and industries to create pathways for all students to transition from education to employment. This could include subsidised internships, apprenticeship programmes, and tailored curriculums that address future workforce needs.

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      Diversity friendly environment

      What matters


      Cities that embrace diversity attract talent and foster innovation. Dublin's growing international population brings experience, expertise and perspectives that contribute to the city’s sense of dynamism. It also provides essential labour in sectors that have struggled with skills and talent shortages.

      Our research indicates that in the context of how we perform in the area of talent, just under half (47 percent) of respondents feel we are doing well and it is the first priority talent focus of just under one in five (18 percent) of respondents.

      Continued steps towards inclusion will play an important role in integrating diverse communities. Initiatives like Dublin City Council’s Social Inclusion Unit, and annual events such as the Dublin Pride Parade and Africa Day, demonstrate ongoing efforts to celebrate difference and challenge discrimination. 

      However, successful cities ensure that diversity goes beyond nationality, ethnicity or culture, it includes those with different abilities, ages, and socio-economic backgrounds.

      Accessibility in public spaces, inclusive education and employment opportunities, and representation in public life, are essential components of real diversity.

      In a city famed for its vibrant arts scene, historic universities, and tech-driven economy, embracing diversity also strengthens social cohesion. When people from diverse backgrounds feel safe and valued, they contribute more confidently to community and economic life.

      Child on parent's shoulders

      Making it happen


      To continue to be a more inclusive and diverse city, we can take steps to address both social and physical accessibility. Some key suggestions include:

      • Establish Dublin as a progressive capital, promoting inclusion and completing an Integration Strategy.
      • Ensure city services—health, housing, education, and policing—offer multilingual support and cultural competency training for staff to serve diverse communities effectively.
      • Implement an inclusive urban planning policies with a design minimum standard, ensuring public spaces, transport, and new buildings are accessible to everyone, considering physical access, safety, and cultural needs.

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