Ireland Launches ‘Silicon Island’ Strategy: 35,000 Jobs on the Horizon
By Aaron Joyce | L.T.T Media | May 19, 2025
Ireland is setting its sights on becoming a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing with the launch of a bold new national strategy dubbed “Silicon Island.” The government revealed plans this morning to create up to 35,000 high-tech jobs by 2040, aiming to attract industry giants like Nvidia and Intel to establish microchip production sites across the country.
The strategy includes a roadmap to identify and develop suitable land for chip fabrication facilities, while offering incentives to lure multinational investment. This marks one of the most ambitious industrial policy moves since the Celtic Tiger era — one that could place Ireland at the heart of Europe’s digital future.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin called the plan “a generational opportunity to anchor Ireland at the center of the global semiconductor supply chain.”
More details are expected in the coming weeks, including specific site locations and public-private partnership structures.
Ireland is setting its sights on becoming a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing with the launch of a bold new national strategy dubbed “Silicon Island.” The government revealed plans this morning to create up to 35,000 high-tech jobs by 2040, aiming to attract industry giants like Nvidia and Intel to establish microchip production sites across the country.
The strategy includes a roadmap to identify and develop suitable land for chip fabrication facilities, while offering incentives to lure multinational investment. This marks one of the most ambitious industrial policy moves since the Celtic Tiger era — one that could place Ireland at the heart of Europe’s digital future.
Tánaiste Micheál Martin called the plan “a generational opportunity to anchor Ireland at the center of the global semiconductor supply chain.” He added that Ireland’s existing reputation as a technology and pharma hub makes it a natural candidate for this next leap in advanced manufacturing.
Strategic Sites and EU Backing
Under the plan, several large-scale industrial zones will be identified, upgraded, and marketed to global semiconductor firms. Government sources confirmed that Meath, Kildare, and Cork are among the counties being considered for the first phase.
The strategy is aligned with the European Union’s Chips Act, which seeks to double Europe’s share of global chip production to 20% by 2030. Funding opportunities from the European Commission may also support Ireland’s efforts — especially for training, R&D, and infrastructure.
Economic Game-Changer
Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke described the potential impact as “transformational,” projecting that the sector could contribute billions to the Irish economy annually once established.
“This is not just about factories. This is about a full ecosystem — from research to design, to production, to export,” he said.
Industry analysts have praised the move as timely, especially as Western governments seek to reduce dependence on Asian microchip supply lines, a vulnerability exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Challenges Ahead
However, questions remain about Ireland’s readiness. Concerns include the strain on housing, energy, and water infrastructure, particularly in already-stretched regions like Dublin and Kildare.
Environmental groups have also warned that chip fabrication is highly water-intensive, and that any development must not come at the cost of sustainable planning.
“We support innovation — but not at the cost of our communities or climate commitments,” said Green Party TD Neasa Hourigan.
What Comes Next
A public consultation period is expected to open in June, followed by targeted international outreach to major chipmakers. The first site announcements could come before year-end, with construction to begin as early as 2026.
L.T.T Media will continue to follow this story closely as Ireland positions itself at the forefront of a 21st-century tech revolution.