The Irish government has launched a semiconductor strategy that aligns with the European Chip Act, aiming to boost the nation’s semiconductor industry significantly. This initiative, titled Silicon Island: A National Semiconductor Strategy, outlines a clear path to enhance Ireland’s semiconductor sector by creating high-value job opportunities, attracting significant investments, and reinforcing its role in advanced technology within Europe.
Goals and Ecosystem Development
Ireland seeks to establish itself as a leader in the semiconductor field by building on its existing technological strengths, while also addressing emerging challenges through strategic actions. The strategy highlights the potential for the country to contribute to the European semiconductor landscape, supported by an established presence of over 130 semiconductor companies, which employ around 20,000 people and generate €13.5 billion in annual exports.
Strategic Framework
This roadmap for growth includes three primary components: enhancing the current semiconductor ecosystem, ensuring a strong national talent pipeline, and capitalizing on industry opportunities. Deliverables include comprehensive mapping of the semiconductor landscape in Ireland, fostering connections between research and innovation clusters, and engaging educational institutions to meet the demand for talent in this sector.
Support and Investments
During the launch, Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment, emphasized the existing strengths of Ireland’s semiconductor base and expressed optimism for further advancements. By 2040, he indicated that the country could support up to 34,500 new semiconductor jobs.
The overarching objective of this semiconductor strategy is to secure a reliable supply chain for semiconductors within Europe by leveraging Ireland’s established presence in this field. Integrated device manufacturers like Intel, Analog Devices, and Infineon have established operations in the country, alongside fabless manufacturers such as Apple, AMD, and IBM, as well as design and testing firms like ARM and Siemens. The presence of ASML, a key player in photolithography equipment, also underscores Ireland’s strategic importance in the semiconductor supply chain.
Future Initiatives
The strategy encompasses securing substantial industrial investments, including plans for a leading-edge chip fabrication facility, two trailing-edge foundries, and an advanced packaging facility. Furthermore, Ireland intends to develop next-generation sites equipped for large-scale manufacturing and support startups with access to funding.
In addition to manufacturing, the government aims to bolster research and development by promoting indigenous innovation and fostering collaboration with multinational companies to create an open ecosystem in semiconductor design, manufacturing, and research. Ireland has already established a national competence center for semiconductors in line with the European Chips Act and is collaborating with Analog Devices and 14 EU member states on initiatives to support microelectronics and communications, enhancing its profile as a semiconductor hub.