Ireland’s AI Readiness Gap

Over half of Irish adults haven’t started with AI, and only a few use it often enough to see real benefits.

Artificial intelligence is headline news in Ireland, yet most people still aren’t using it.

Authored by AI consultant Karen Howley in partnership with Amárach Research, this report surfaces two distinct gaps that demand attention now.

AI Adoption in Ireland

  • 57% of adults do not use AI at all
  • 72% of 18–24s use AI regularly
  • Just 15% of over-65s use AI

1. The workplace capability gap

Employees who achieve significant productivity gains from AI aren’t inherently more enthusiastic, they’ve simply had access to training, practical tools, and permission to experiment.

Without structured pathways, many workers remain on the sidelines, missing out on real efficiency gains.

Workplace Productivity

  • Only 33% of employees use AI at work
  • Just 12% of AI users see strong productivity gains
  • Daily users are 7 × more likely to be highly productive than those who use AI once a week

2. The emerging consumer gap

For younger adults, exposure to AI starts earlier - through education, personal planning, and informal experimentation.

This research signals that the consumer journey itself is beginning to shift: younger consumers increasingly turn to AI first, changing how brands are discovered and decisions are made. Marketers must prepare for journeys that start inside AI tools, potentially bypassing traditional search or web touchpoints.

Emerging Consumer Gap

  • Many 18–24 year-olds rely on AI for coursework and everyday planning
  • AI-first behaviours are beginning to reshape how younger consumers research and decide
  • Brands must adapt to stay visible in AI-mediated journeys beyond search or websites
Most people aren’t resisting AI—they simply don’t yet see where it fits into their work or lives. The real challenge is giving people safe, practical ways to start, and building the skills and support that turn occasional use into real productivity gains.
Gerard O’Neill Chairman, Amárach Research
Those using AI daily in the workplace are seven times more productive than weekly users—yet most employees still haven’t been shown how to use these tools well. Closing the capability gap is Ireland’s fastest route to competitiveness, and it starts with hands-on training.
Karen Howley AI & Transformation Consultant

 

FAQs

  • The AI Readiness Gap is the difference between widespread awareness of AI in Ireland and the relatively low levels of actual usage and capability. While 57% of Irish adults are not using AI at all, those who do use it regularly tend to feel more confident and capable.

  • Our June 2025 report shows that 43% of Irish adults use AI in some form. Usage is highest among 18–24-year-olds (72%), but drops sharply with age.

  • Non-users cite a lack of perceived need (35%), lack of understanding (29%), and privacy or trust concerns (22%). Current users are most likely to limit their use due to accuracy and reliability concerns (19%).

  • Comfort levels rise sharply after people start using AI. Even in sensitive areas like health and finance, users are more than twice as likely to feel comfortable compared to non-users.

  • Only 33% of the Irish workforce uses AI at work. Among those who do, daily use and access to training are the biggest factors driving productivity gains

  • The report calls for three key actions:

    1. Start with the right foundations — choose tools, set guardrails, and enable safe exploration.

    2. Build capability and critical thinking — encourage daily use with training and support.

    3. Treat AI adoption as a transformation — redesign workflows rather than adding AI on top.