An expert group has warned that the fall in the numbers of science and engineering graduates threatens the provision of existing and future infrastructure projects in the State.
In a report launched today the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs (EGFSN) studied the expected future supply for engineers and compared this with the projected demands from the industry.
The report concluded that the current decline in applications to engineering and technology courses would lead to future shortage of persons with electronic and telecommunications engineering expertise.
Dr Daniel O'Hare, chairperson of the EGFSN said: "Ireland's economic development since the 1980s has been built in large part on its supply of engineering graduates.
"A strong supply of skilled engineering graduates will have substantial impact on Ireland's ability to succeed in attracting and maintaining high value-added industries, including research.
"We need to plan now so that we will be in a position to provide the intellectual capital needed to succeed in moving to the next stage of economic development - becoming a knowledge economy," he said.
Dr O'Hare suggested providing a marketing resource for third level institutions to support recruitment to engineering, science and computing courses.
A Government commitment to ensuring funding for research by engineering postgraduates, was also recommended.
The EGFSN was established by Government to address skills needs, manpower estimating and training for business and education.
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