Ireland Expected To See An 8% Growth In Employment Opportunities

The largest decline was noted in Monaghan, where job opportunities fell 51 per cent in 2023.

In contrast, there was significant growth in activity in the north-west, with the largest county-by-county increases occurring in Donegal (up 43 per cent), Leitrim (up 40 per cent), Mayo (up 36 per cent) and Sligo (up 13 per cent).

Increases were also seen in Tipperary and Wicklow.

Recruitment

Despite difficulties in the overall recruitment market last year, FRS said it expects increased job opportunities over the coming year will be positively felt throughout the country.

Speaking about the report, Lynne McCormack, general manager with FRS Recruitment said: "If 2023 was a year of turbulence in the recruitment market, we are anticipating a steady rise in opportunities for the year ahead.

"We are already seeing green shoots of recruitment appear across multiple sectors, several of which experienced a challenging 12 months."

Despite a "jittery" start to 2023, which included job losses at several tech firms, Mr McCormack noted the market recovered in the third quarter, "and was firing strongly again by the end of the year".

"The signs point to that approach continuing into 2024. The market is already showing significant need for skilled personnel in several sectors.

"Employers are actively seeking out individuals with qualifications and experience in accounting, insurance, science, engineering, cybersecurity, social care and construction," she added.