Foreword

As Managing Director of Contracting PLUS, I am proud to introduce Ireland’s Project Economy 2026. This is the sixth year of this research, and it has been carried out independently by Trinity College Dublin. We commissioned it because evidence matters. So do independent voices.

At Contracting PLUS, we work with Independent Professionals every day. We see first-hand the value they bring. They deliver critical projects. They bring scarce skills. They give organisations flexibility and momentum. They are a cornerstone of Ireland’s modern economy. This research reflects that reality. Over six years, Ireland’s Project Economy has consistently shown that contracting is not a fringe activity. It is a deliberate, professional choice. It supports innovation, delivery, and competitiveness across sectors. The 2026 findings reinforce this again. But they also surface concerns that cannot be ignored.

Contractors continue to highlight challenges around recognition, fairness, and security. They highlight differences in how risk and reward are experienced across employment models. Many note that while independent work can offer higher earning potential, it also involves taking on greater personal risk. Some describe challenges where their income history is not always assessed in the same way it is for permanent employees. There are also calls for greater clarity and consistency in guidance, reflecting a desire for systems that better align with the realities of project-based and independent work.

What stands out most strongly this year is that these are not just technical issues. They are signals. Signals about whether independent work is truly understood. Signals about whether Independent Professionals are seen, valued, and respected for their contribution to Ireland’s strong economic position. At Contracting PLUS, we fundamentally reject the idea that Independent Professionals are somehow peripheral. We recognise them as professionals. As contributors. As people who take on risk so organisations and the wider economy can move faster and further. This belief underpins our continued investment in independent research and in advocacy on your behalf.

This report is a call to listen. A call to policymakers to engage directly with Independent Professionals, a call for better understanding. A call to ensure policy reflects how work is actually done in Ireland today. Recognition must move beyond rhetoric. It must be visible in systems, supports, and outcomes. We remain committed to amplifying your voices. To working with researchers, industry, and government. And to pushing for an environment where independent professionals can thrive with confidence and dignity.