The software development landscape in Ireland has undergone significant changes over the past decade. The rise of cloud computing, AI, and DevOps practices has transformed the skills companies seek, while remote work and digital transformation have broadened opportunities for tech professionals.

As we approach 2025, staying ahead of these trends is critical for candidates looking to remain competitive in this fast-evolving market.  

In this Q&A, we sat down and chatted with Anca Antonica, one of our most experienced IT recruitment consultants, to get her views about how these shifts have shaped the market and what developers should focus on to thrive.  

Learn how the IT Market in Ireland is evolving below.

Market Evolution 

Over the past 5+ years, how have you seen the IT and software development recruitment market evolve in Ireland?

Over the last 5-6 years, the market has evolved significantly, with increased demand for cloud computing (AWS, Azure, etc.), AI, data science, and cybersecurity roles. DevOps has risen due to the need for faster software delivery, along with growing demand for full-stack developers. Remote and hybrid work models post-pandemic have expanded the talent pool, while digital transformation projects continue to fuel demand for tech talent across industries

Skills Evolution

Are there any skills that were in high demand 5+ years ago that have become less relevant now?

Five to six years ago, demand was higher for traditional web development, especially JavaScript frameworks like AngularJS and Backbone. While JavaScript is still essential, the focus has shifted to modern frameworks like React and Vue.js. Legacy system skills (COBOL, older .NET) are now niche. Today, cloud infrastructure, DevOps, and automation skills dominate, reflecting the shift to scalable, cloud-based solutions and CI/CD pipelines as companies prioritise agility and speed in software development. 

Qualifications

How important were formal qualifications (degrees, certifications) 5 years ago compared to today? 

Five years ago, degrees and certifications were essential. Today, employers focus more on practical experience and hands-on skills. Coding bootcamps and alternative learning paths are widely accepted, especially in development and DevOps, as real-world problem-solving now outweighs formal education. 

Programming Language Trends

How have the preferred programming languages in the industry changed in the last 5+ years?

Python and JavaScript have become dominant, especially in data science and web development. Languages like Ruby and PHP have declined, while Kotlin has risen in mobile development. Objective-C has largely been replaced by Swift in iOS, and older frameworks like Perl are now rarely requested, with newer languages like Python and Node.js becoming more common, taking the spotlight for scripting and backend development. This trend highlights the industry’s shift towards languages that enhance developer productivity and streamline the development process. 

Impact of Remote Work

How has this shift influenced the skills companies are seeking?

Remote work has shifted company priorities, with skills in collaboration tools (Slack, Jira) and remote-first experience now highly valued. Soft skills like communication, time management, and teamwork are crucial in flexible work settings, as candidates must thrive independently while staying productive and connected. 

The Importance of Soft Skills 

How has the emphasis on soft skills evolved – have these skills become more critical as remote work and cross-functional collaboration have increased? 

The emphasis on soft skills has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly with the rise of remote work and cross-functional collaboration. Skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability have become more critical than ever, as teams now operate in diverse, virtual environments. Effective communication is essential for clear understanding, while strong teamwork ensures successful collaboration among remote and cross-functional teams. Adaptability is also vital, as professionals must navigate changing circumstances and new technologies. Employers increasingly prioritise candidates with robust soft skills, recognising that these qualities enhance team dynamics and contribute to overall organisational success. 

Work Environment and Culture

What changes have you noticed in work environments and company culture for IT professionals over the last 5+ years?

Agile methodologies and DevOps cultures have become mainstream in tech teams, valuing collaboration and quick iteration. Employee benefits like remote work, flexible hours, and mental health support have shifted from “nice-to-haves” to essential offerings, as work-life balance is increasingly prioritised by top talent. I’ve seen a real increase in companies offering mental health support, wellness programs, and overall flexibility to stay competitive. It’s clear that to secure the best talent, employers need to offer more than just a good salary—they have to create an environment where people can thrive both professionally and personally. 

Moving Towards 2025

What skills or qualifications do you believe will be critical for candidates to stay competitive as we approach 2025?

Looking to 2025, adaptability and expertise in emerging technologies will be key. AI/ML, blockchain, and cybersecurity skills are growing in demand. Cloud services (AWS, Azure), automation frameworks, and AI tools are critical for future-proofing careers. Candidates should consider building expertise in areas such as DevOps automation, AI tools, and cloud-based infrastructure.  

What advice would you give to candidates looking to stand out in the IT and software development field as we move towards 2025?

My advice for 2025: balance specialisation and versatility. If you’re passionate about areas like AI, cloud computing, or cybersecurity, deepening your expertise in those fields will make you highly valuable as these technologies continue to grow. But, being versatile across different technologies—whether it’s cloud platforms like AWS or Azure, or learning automation tools and frameworks—will give you the flexibility to adapt to evolving demands in the industry. 

Industry Challenges

Are there specific skill shortages in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, or AI? 

There are notable skill shortages in cloud computing, cybersecurity, and AI. To navigate these challenges, candidates should focus on gaining hands-on experience through projects, certifications (AWS, Azure), and networking within the industry to stay informed and open up new opportunities. 

For keeping up with industry changes, online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning are great for continuous learning.  

Other valuable platforms for continuous learning in IT and software development. 

 – edX offers courses from top universities in AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.  

 – Pluralsight focuses on tech skills like programming, cloud infrastructure, and DevOps, 

 – Codecademy is ideal for learning languages like Python and JavaScript.  

 – Kaggle is great for hands-on learning in data science and machine learning through projects. 

 – GitHub, though not a traditional learning platform, is essential for building a portfolio and contributing to open-source projects.  

These resources help candidates stay current with industry trends and gain practical experience.  Future-proofing your career is all about being open to learning and adapting to new technologies, as the pace of change in IT isn’t slowing down anytime soon. 

If you’re looking to dive deeper into the IT software market in Ireland or have specific questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert, Anca. She’s here to help you navigate the trends and opportunities in this field. Get in touch today! anca.antonica@e-frontiers.ie