The Department of Transport and Ireland’s Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group have unveiled the agenda for the 4th Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week (#LogisticsWeek), taking place across Ireland from 16–24 April 2026.
Ireland’s logistics and transport sector, which employs more than 246,000 people, is facing growing skills shortages as demand rises across the industry that keeps the country’s people, goods and public transport systems moving every day.
Despite ongoing global disruptions, Ireland’s logistics sector demonstrates strong resilience. The FM Resilience Index ranks Ireland 8th globally for business environment stability, while the 2025 Logistics and Supply Chain Confidence Index shows improving sector sentiment and increased investment intentions. Demand for logistics property has also surged, with record warehouse takeup and strong investor activity in 2025. According to the World Bank, trade as a percentage of Ireland’s GDP increased in 2024 to 246%, the fifth highest in the world. The sector accounts for 12% of all difficult-to-fill vacancies nationwide and almost one third of HGV drivers aged over 55, industry leaders are highlighting the urgent need to attract new talent.
To inspire the next generation of talent, Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week will feature a series of national and regional events, including European Supply Chain Day presentations, in-person industry and student events, webinars, a 3rd level sustainability competition and the LogisTYcs Skills Expo for Transition Year students at the National Basketball Arena on 23 April, which will welcome over 1,600 students from 30 schools nationwide.
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney said: “Ireland’s logistics and supply chain sector continues to be one of the great enablers of our economic success. Its global reach, innovative capacity, and world‑class expertise are central to supporting record levels of trade and strengthening our position as a strategic hub between Europe and the United States. As the sector embraces digitalisation, automation, and new sustainable technologies, we remain committed to supporting its transition to cleaner, more efficient operations.
The growth of employment and investment across the industry demonstrates its resilience and long‑term potential. However, to sustain this momentum, we must continue to build strong talent pipelines and ensure people have the skills needed for an increasingly digital and fast‑moving global trade environment. Continued collaboration across industry, government, and education will be essential to securing a competitive, future‑ready logistics sector for Ireland.”
Ireland’s logistics and supply chain sector plays a critical role in supporting the country’s economy, handling over €1 trillion in trade and enabling record exports of €260.3 billion in 2025. As supply chains evolve through digital technology, automation and sustainability initiatives, demand is growing for workers across a wide range of roles including drivers, engineers, warehouse specialists, supply chain analysts and operations managers.
Kinia, Ireland’s leading education-focused non-profit, will host the first Irish Hydrogen Grand Prix (H2GP) during Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week. The event marks the culmination of a national programme where secondary school students design and build 1:10 scale hydrogen-powered RC cars. Teams from across Ireland will compete in a 3.5-hour endurance race testing efficiency, reliability, and speed, with the winners representing Ireland at the World H2GP Final in Switzerland this August. The initiative promotes STEM and green energy skills aligned with Ireland’s Climate Action Plan and National Hydrogen Strategy.
Veronica Ceballos, Supply Chain Consultant at PerformanSC Supply Chain Ltd said. “We are delighted to take part in Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week 2026, highlighting the wide range of opportunities available across this essential industry. With 170 employers already supporting logistics apprentices in a variety of roles, it is clear that education and training play a vital role in addressing current skills shortages. This year’s focus on sustainability and digital innovation creates valuable pathways for individuals to build the skills needed for a changing sector. Whether beginning a career or developing new expertise, the logistics industry offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to Ireland’s economy and its transition to a more sustainable future.”
Further details on events taking place during Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-transport/campaigns/logistics-and-supply-chain-skills-week/
