Press release
Minister of State Chambers launches Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
Jack Chambers, Minister of State with special responsibility for international and road transport and logistics, has today announced the details of the first ever Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week, which will take place from 27 March to 1 April 2023.
The objective of Logistics Week is to promote awareness of supply chain career opportunities to students, new entrants, and potential career changers.
The sector accounted for around €6.5 billion worth of total gross value added to the Irish economy in 2021. In addition, a total of 108,500 people were employed in the sector in Q3 of 2022, of which 81% were men and 19% women.
Logistics Week also aims to engage supply chain industry executives on the changing skills needed within the sector now and into the future. The week will consist of a mix of in-person and online events at both national and regional level.
Logistics Week is an initiative of the Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Group (LSCSG), which was founded in 2019 to address the skills needs of the logistics and supply chain sector. Currently chaired by the Department of Transport, the group’s membership includes haulage and logistics sector representatives, education and training providers and all relevant government departments.
Speaking at Rosslare Europort, Minister Chambers said:
"A highly skilled, diverse and dynamic logistics and supply chain sector is vital for a vibrant Irish economy. This Logistics Week, which is the first of its kind ever to take place in Ireland, will help to promote skills development, career opportunities and best practice.
"The sector has an important role to play in keeping vital goods available to people and business. Last year, Ireland’s exports of goods reached a record level of €208 billion, this is an increase of more than €42 billion compared with 2021. Imports also increased, up by 35%, so there is no doubt that this sector is hugely supporting our socio-economic activity.
"Recent statistics have shown that overall freight activity in Rosslare Europort has grown by an astounding 53% over the past two years. I can think of no better place to launch Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week than in this rapidly growing hub, which is a key gateway to Continental Europe."
To view a full schedule of the events taking place during Logistics Week and for further information on the logistics and supply chain sector in Ireland, visit gov.ie/LogisticsWeek and follow the hashtag #LogisticsWeek on social media.
The Logistics and Supply Chain sector is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, supporting all sectors of the economy by facilitating both international and domestic trade.
It involves the movement of goods around the world by road, rail, sea and air as well as managing supply, demand, distribution and procurement operations.
Key statistics about the Logistics and Supply Chain Sector: