Ireland Maps Out ‘Silicon Island’ National Semiconductor Strategy

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Silicon Island aims to strengthen Ireland's role in the global semiconductor industry while contributing to the EU Chips Act.

www.eetimes.eu, May. 28, 2025 – 

Ireland is the latest EU member state to announce a national semiconductor strategy. Dubbed Silicon Island, the initiative, like other EU countries’ strategies, dovetails into the European Chips Act introduced in 2023. Launched by Peter Burke, Irish Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, Silicon Island aims to strengthen Ireland’s role in the global semiconductor industry while contributing to the Chips Act’s goal of increasing Europe’s semiconductor production volume to 20% of global output by 2030.

Ireland aiming for 34,500 new semiconductor jobs by 2040

Speaking at the launch event held in the offices of research and development partner Tyndall National Institute, Minister Burke stated, “We’re setting our sights on the next frontier: semiconductors. Ireland already has a strong semiconductor base, with over 130 indigenous and multinational companies, 20,000 jobs, and €13.5 billion in annual exports. But with the right support, I believe we could do far more. By 2040, Ireland could support up to 34,500 new semiconductor roles. This strategy is Ireland’s commitment to helping deliver on the European Chips Act and becoming a global leader in this vital sector. Ireland is turning to chips as the next big opportunity. Much of the work to achieve our ambitions is already underway. We have already earmarked over €70 million in national and EU funding for Tyndall’s participation in three EU Pilot Lines. We have established I-C3—a national competence center under the European Chips Act—and joined forces with Analog Devices and 14 EU Member States in the IPCEI [Important Projects of Common European Interest] on microelectronics.”  Click here to read more

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