Celebrating International Project Management Day

Introduction

In Ireland, failed projects can cost companies up to €580,000, yet most of these failures could be prevented with one critical ingredient: effective project management. On November 6, 2025, as Ireland joins the global community in celebrating International Project Management Day, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the professionals who keep our most ambitious projects on track; and the remarkable work they’re achieving across the country.

The Day That Honours the Unsung Heroes

International Project Management Day was established in 2004 by E. LaVerne Johnson and Lori Milhaven in collaboration with the International Institute for Learning, created to recognize the often behind-the-scenes work of project managers who turn ambitious visions into reality. This year marks the 21st annual celebration, with the online conference expected to attract over 50,000 participants from around the world; a testament to the growing recognition of this vital profession.

The day celebrates project managers across all industries; from government to volunteer sectors; recognizing their role in helping achieve major goals efficiently and competently. And nowhere is this more evident than in Ireland, where project management excellence is driving unprecedented growth and transformation.

Why Project Management Matters More Than Ever in Ireland

Ireland stands at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge. The country faces significant hurdles including Brexit, the housing crisis, and maintaining foreign direct investment; all requiring expert project management to navigate successfully. But it’s not just about managing risks; it’s about seizing opportunities in a rapidly evolving economy.

The numbers tell a compelling story. Demand for project managers in Ireland is increasing by 9% every month, reflecting the critical shortage of these skilled professionals. For those entering the field, the rewards are substantial: top project managers in Ireland earn between €60,000 and €70,000, with certified professionals commanding even higher salaries.

Industries Driving the Demand

Ireland’s project management boom spans multiple sectors:

Pharmaceuticals & Life Sciences: Ireland ranks as the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical exporter, with the sector generating €99.9 billion in exports in 2024; accounting for about 45% of total goods exports. This massive industry requires sophisticated project management at every level, from drug development to manufacturing expansion.

Information & Communication Technology: Project management is currently one of the most in-demand roles in software development, IT infrastructure projects, and digital transformations. The sector’s rapid growth and Ireland’s position as Europe’s tech hub means project managers with Agile expertise are particularly sought after. In fact, 44% of Irish professionals prefer using Scrum project management methodology, showing Ireland’s embrace of modern, adaptive approaches.

Construction & Infrastructure: From housing developments to major transport links, construction projects are reshaping Ireland’s landscape; and every successful build has a skilled project manager orchestrating the effort.

Ireland’s Mega-Projects: Building the Future

Perhaps nowhere is the importance of project management more visible than in the ambitious portfolio of projects under Project Ireland 2040. The National Development Plan represents €165 billion in infrastructure investment, with over 200 major projects each valued at €20 million or more. Almost 60% of projects outlined in the Prospects 2024/2025 report are set to commence in 2025 and 2026; meaning the next few years will be absolutely critical for Ireland’s infrastructure development.

Transformative Projects Shaping Ireland

The Celtic Interconnector: This proposed 700MW electricity interconnector between Brittany, France and east Cork will have an annual transmission capacity of 6.1 TWh and is expected to be completed in 2026; making it Ireland’s largest electricity interconnector. This project exemplifies how expert project management can tackle complex international collaborations with multiple stakeholders.

National Broadband Plan: This ambitious initiative is connecting over 544,000 premises not covered by commercial operators, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms and 700 schools, with delivery planned by 2027. The project’s complexity; spanning rural Ireland and coordinating with local communities; showcases project management at its finest.

National Children’s Hospital: This leading healthcare infrastructure project at St. James’s Hospital in Dublin features 380 inpatient rooms and 22 operating theatres, and is currently generating over 1,000 construction jobs. Beyond the construction phase, the project’s completion will create lasting healthcare opportunities and transform children’s services in Ireland.

Greenlink Interconnector: The first new power connection between Ireland and the UK in over 20 years, this project provides 500 MW capacity with a 200 km subsea cable, demonstrating how project managers are literally connecting Ireland to new energy futures.

Meet Ireland’s Project Management Trailblazers

Behind every successful project are talented individuals turning plans into reality. Ireland’s project management community is thriving, with inspiring leaders emerging across sectors.

Laura McDermott made headlines as the winner of the 2024 PMI National Project Awards Under-35 Changemaker category. McDermott founded Colectivo, a project-based sustainability consultancy dedicated to driving impactful change by connecting visionary thinkers and practical innovators with organizations. Her work exemplifies how the next generation of Irish project managers is tackling global challenges like climate action.

Sinéad Gallagher, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Ireland Chapter of PMI, was awarded the Rising Leader Award at the 2024 Global PMI Professional Awards; bringing international recognition to Irish talent.

The 2024 PMI National Project Awards told an even broader story of Irish excellence. The event celebrated projects ranging from the application of Robotic Process Automation in healthcare to climate action strategies in agriculture, demonstrating the growing influence and success of project management in the Irish economy. With a record number of submissions across more categories than ever before, it’s clear that Ireland’s project management profession is reaching new heights.

Real Impact: Projects Changing Lives

The pharmaceutical sector offers particularly impressive examples. Novartis Ireland’s Customer Engagement Platform team won the 2024 Pharma Industry Award for Best Use of Technology, showing how innovative project management can enhance patient services. Meanwhile, PCI Pharma Services signed a 25-year lease for a new 82,000 sq ft facility in Co. Meath, complementing its existing 45,000 sq ft operations, with completion expected by Q1 2025; an expansion that will support the development and commercialization of critical medicines.

As Peter Glynne, President of the Ireland Chapter of PMI, puts it: “These are the people and projects which showcase the best of project management in Ireland and how it contributes to the country’s success both nationally and internationally”.

Ireland’s Strong Foundation for Excellence

Ireland’s project management success doesn’t happen by accident. The country has built a robust ecosystem to support the profession.

The Institute of Project Management (IPM) was founded in Ireland over 35 years ago, in 1989, pioneering project management education and earning international recognition for excellence. The organization has trained over 40,000 individuals, establishing Ireland as a European leader in project management education.

Even the government has recognized the critical importance of project management competency. Derek Tierney of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport led an initiative to bring greater project management expertise to the civil service, establishing a Project Managers’ Network of 200 participants and publishing a comprehensive Project Management Handbook; ensuring that public sector projects benefit from best practices.

The importance of this work cannot be overstated. As Keiran Barbalich, Partner in PwC Ireland, notes: “Over a quarter of Ireland’s CEOs do not believe that their businesses will be viable in a decade without reinvention. AI and technology are at the centre of this reinvention, and with their technological expertise, Ireland’s project managers play a vital role in this transformation”.

How You Can Celebrate International Project Management Day

Whether you’re a seasoned project manager, someone considering entering the field, or a business leader who depends on project professionals, there are many ways to participate in International Project Management Day:

Thank Your Project Managers: Take time to recognize the project managers in your organization. A simple acknowledgment of their hard work can make a significant difference. Consider organizing a team lunch, sending a thank-you card, or publicly recognizing their achievements.

Join the Global Conversation: Connect with over 50,000 professionals at the online International Project Management Day conference on November 6. It’s a chance to learn from global experts and connect with peers facing similar challenges.

Invest in Professional Development: Use the day to commit to ongoing learning. Whether it’s pursuing certification through IPM or PMI, attending workshops, or simply dedicating time to learning new methodologies, International Project Management Day is the perfect prompt for professional growth.

Connect with the Irish PM Community: Reach out to the Institute of Project Management or the Ireland Chapter of PMI to discover networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and resources to advance your career.

Share Your Story: Use social media with #ProjectManagementDay to highlight successful Irish projects and the professionals behind them. Celebrating successes inspires the next generation and raises awareness of this vital profession.

Building Tomorrow, Today

As we celebrate International Project Management Day this November 6th, we’re not just looking back at completed projects; we’re looking forward to Ireland’s future. From digital transformation to climate action, from healthcare advancement to maintaining our competitive edge in the global economy, the country’s success depends on skilled project managers who can turn ambitious visions into reality.

Ireland’s €165 billion infrastructure investment, its position as a global pharmaceutical powerhouse, and its growing reputation as a technology hub all rest on one foundation: excellent project management. The professionals who coordinate resources, manage timelines, navigate stakeholder relationships, and solve complex problems are literally building Ireland’s tomorrow.

So on November 6th, let’s celebrate these unsung heroes; the project managers who ensure that when Ireland dreams big, those dreams become reality. After all, with project management demand increasing by 9% monthly, we’ll need more talented professionals than ever to keep Ireland moving forward.

International Project Management Day reminds us that behind every successful project, there’s a skilled professional making it happen. Let’s celebrate them.