A groundbreaking new report has exposed a deep and persistent socio-economic tech divide in Ireland, revealing that the ability to work from home is overwhelmingly a privilege enjoyed by middle-class, Dublin-based white-collar workers. The research, from Ipsos B&A’s 2026 TechScape report, starkly illustrates a two-tiered digital nation where geography and occupation are primary determinants of who can access flexible working arrangements
The annual Ipsos B&A TechScape report for 2026, based on a nationally representative survey of over 1,000 Irish adults, has delivered a sobering assessment of Ireland’s digital reality . While the nation has reached near-saturation in terms of technology adoption—with 90% of adults owning a smartphone—the benefits of this digital infrastructure are far from evenly distributed. The report’s most striking finding is the deep entrenchment of a socio-economic and geographic gap in who can actually work from home.
The data reveals a clear divide. More than half of Irish adults (over 50%) never work from home, contrasting sharply with the 25% who do so daily . In Dublin, 64% of adults have the option to work remotely at least part of the time, compared to just 42% of the larger non-Dublin population . This geographic disparity is mirrored by a class divide: a full 60% of white-collar workers can work from home, while only 30% of their blue-collar counterparts have the same opportunity . This confirms a reality where remote work remains a luxury for those in certain jobs and locations.
According to the report, the term “working from home is a privilege, not a default” . The research suggests that this digital and economic chasm is becoming a permanent feature of the Irish landscape. This confirms that while the infrastructure is becoming a “non-negotiable utility” for many, its transformative potential is not being realized for a large segment of the population, with rural and blue-collar workers being left behind in the shift to a more flexible working culture.
Beyond working patterns, the “TechScape” research provides a wealth of data on Irish digital habits. While technology is becoming deeply integrated into everyday life—with 86% using personal email and 76% using online banking—there are signs of saturation. The report also highlights growing public negativity towards targeted advertising, a sentiment that spans all generations . This points to a future where trust and transparency will be crucial for brands looking to deepen their consumer relationships in a landscape where the primary screen is often a smartphone and data privacy is paramount.