21 May 2018

'Huge opportunities' for motor industry in Ireland, but recruitment needed

The Irish motor industry could become a centre of excellence in automotive software engineering, according to the new President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry, Gerard O'Farrell, writes Trish Whelan.

At the Society's AGM in Kilashee House Hotel, he said the motor industry is on the cusp of exciting technological advances which will reshape customers transport needs and how they use cars in the future.

"This will also change the Industry beyond recognition which means huge opportunities as we transition to a future that will be more focused on IT and new technologies than on current mechanical systems," he said. "These changes will provide huge opportunities, from the development of these new technologies to the creation of new business expertise and job opportunities."

He added that the people required for the future will need to 'be at the cutting-edge' to deliver 'hugely exciting changes'. "As an Industry, we need to start our recruitment drive now to ensure that we can avoid serious skills shortages in areas that will be crucial to deliver for us for the state and for the environment."

Gerard O’Farrell is the Group Director, Car Division of the OHM Group, which is a privately owned Irish group involved exclusively in the Distribution and Retailing of Cars, Light Commercials and HGVs in Ireland.