The Irish software sector is benefiting from a 36.1pc increase in LinkedIn members based in Ireland and working in the software sector compared with last year, which the social network says is down to professional migration to Ireland.

LinkedIn, which employs around 1,000 people in Dublin, said Ireland is luring talent to the country thanks to the continuing economic recovery and burgeoning tech scene.

Other sectors experiencing high levels of growth, according to LinkedIn’s data, were the healthcare and pharmaceutical (20.5pc) and recruitment (19.4pc) industries.

‘As economic conditions continue to improve, Ireland’s reputation as a great place to work is bringing great talent to our shores and we hope to see this continue into the future’

– SHARON MCCOOEY, LINKEDIN IRELAND

Latin America was the biggest net contributor of professionals to Ireland, followed by France, the Balkans and Eastern Europe, Asia and Italy, respectively.

By contrast, the regions that attracted the most professionals from Ireland were North America, the UK, the UAE, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia.

28pc increase in entrepreneurs

LinkedIn’s data also demonstrated renewed confidence within the Irish economy, as there was an 80pc growth in the number of members describing themselves as an entrepreneur, along with a 23.8pc increase in the number of sole traders, while the number of companies with up to 10 employees increased by 11.7pc over the 12-month period.

“Our data reflects the increasing levels of confidence in the Irish economy, with professionals from across the globe choosing to move to Ireland, as well as professionals who want to return to Ireland,” said Sharon McCooey, senior director of International Operations and site leader at LinkedIn Ireland.

“As economic conditions continue to improve, Ireland’s reputation as a great place to work is bringing great talent to our shores and we hope to see this continue into the future.

“In parallel with this, it is also positive to see the growth of SMEs and entrepreneurs, as this is a real sign of business confidence.

“The really interesting insight gleaned from our data in this respect was that we saw new companies emerging in a range of diverse fields beyond the technology industry, such as professional services, architecture, and the entertainment sector.”

Dublin image via Shutterstock