TU Dublin Research Highlights Urgent Need to Address Surveying Skills Shortage in Ireland
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A new national report led by TU Dublin researcher Dr Róisín Murphy has highlighted a significant shortage of qualified surveyors in Ireland, warning that the country could face a deficit of more than 2,200 surveyors over the next four years.
The report, Employment Outlook for the Surveying Profession 2026–2029, was commissioned by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) and projects substantial workforce shortages across the property, construction and land sectors. Under a higher economic growth scenario, the shortfall could exceed 3,000 surveyors by 2029.
This is the fourth report in the SCSI employment outlook series undertaken by Dr Róisín Murphy, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Apprenticeship at TU Dublin. The research provides critical evidence to support workforce planning and skills development across one of Ireland's most important economic sectors.
The findings reveal that despite a significant increase in student enrolments on surveying programmes, demand for qualified professionals continues to outpace supply. The report identifies specific shortages at the graduate and mid-career levels, creating challenges for leadership development, mentoring, and succession planning within the profession.
Welcoming the report, SCSI President Tomás Kelly said addressing skills shortages across surveying and the wider construction sector must remain a national priority.
“The findings demonstrate persistent and, in some cases, widening shortages notwithstanding many positive awareness initiatives and an overall large increase in educational enrolments on surveying programmes since the first of these reports was published in 2014. Although the number of students currently enrolled on surveying programmes has increased significantly – it now stands at 2,382 – these figures are showing an annual shortage of circa 23% as demand has continued to grow.”
“Under all scenarios of the research, supply is projected to fall short of demand, with shortages particularly acute at graduate and mid-career level. Legacy gaps arising from the 2008-2013 economic downturn continue to affect the availability of experienced surveyors, placing pressure on mentoring capacity, which is essential for leadership development and succession planning.”
“Addressing the shortfall of surveyors identified by the report – as well as additional skills shortages in other professions and trades – must be a priority for government and the industry to ensure the delivery of key infrastructural projects and the National Development Plan.”
The research also explored the skills needed by future surveyors and the factors influencing career choices among young people considering the profession.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Róisín Murphy said:
"Our research found widespread agreement across the profession that the most important skills for future surveyors are transversal skills such as communication, collaboration, leadership, interpersonal relationships and critical thinking. These highly transferable skills will enable professionals to adapt to changing societal, technological and sectoral demands throughout their careers."
"A particularly important aspect of this research was the inclusion of key stakeholders beyond the surveying profession itself. The study engaged with 40 Career Guidance Counsellors and 240 senior-cycle second-level students to better understand the factors influencing students' career choices and aspirations. Their involvement provides valuable insight into how young people perceive surveying as a career and helps identify the supports Career Guidance Counsellors need to provide informed, up-to-date advice to students considering pathways into the profession."
"The research also highlighted the value placed on office-based learning and peer-to-peer interaction for early-career surveyors. Respondents emphasised that opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues and develop professional and interpersonal skills remain crucial for the next generation entering the profession."
The report further recommends expanding pathways into surveying through apprenticeships, flexible learning opportunities and new programmes in emerging areas such as geospatial, building and property surveying. It also highlights the potential to attract experienced professionals from sectors such as technology, legal and finance who possess transferable skills and are seeking career transitions.
The findings reinforce TU Dublin's ongoing commitment to supporting Ireland's skills needs through industry-focused education, research and apprenticeship provision, while helping to shape the future workforce required to deliver the country's housing and infrastructure ambitions.
The full report is available from the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland website.