Plumbing jobs in Ireland are in higher demand than at any time in the past 20 years. With a national housing shortage, a massive home-energy retrofit programme, and a shortage of skilled tradespeople, Ireland is actively recruiting plumbers, heating engineers, and retrofit specialists from both inside and outside the EU.
Whether you are an experienced plumber, a heating installer, or a project manager with retrofit experience, plumbing jobs in Ireland now offer some of the best salaries, job security, and career progression in Europe.
Why plumbing jobs in Ireland are booming
Ireland is investing billions of euros in:
- Housing construction
- Energy-efficient retrofits
- Heat pump installations
- Insulation and heating upgrades
The government-backed SEAI retrofit programme requires thousands of plumbers to modernise homes to meet climate and energy targets. This is why companies like Efficient Renewables Ltd (Donegal) are hiring Plumbing Project Managers, Retrofit Coordinators, and installation teams on permanent contracts.
At the same time, Ireland is facing a critical shortage of qualified tradespeople. Many plumbers are approaching retirement, and not enough apprentices are entering the trade. This means employers are now open to international workers with plumbing, heating, and retrofit experience.
Featured Job: Plumbing Project Manager (Donegal)
One of the best current opportunities in Plumbing Jobs Ireland is a permanent Plumbing Project Manager / SEAI Retrofit Coordinator role based in Donegal with Efficient Renewables Ltd, a company specialised in energy-efficient home upgrades.
This role is ideal for experienced plumbers who want to move into high-paying project management and retrofit leadership.
Key job details
- Position: Plumbing Project Manager / SEAI Retrofit Coordinator
- Location: Donegal, Ireland
- Company: Efficient Renewables Ltd
- Contract: Full-time, permanent
- Working hours: 40 hours per week
- Start date: February 2026
- Salary: €45,000 to €65,000 per year (negotiable)
What the role involves
This is not a basic plumbing job — it is a lead technical and project role within Ireland’s SEAI retrofit programme. The successful candidate will:
- Manage heat pump, heating and control system installations
- Coordinate plumbers, electricians, BER assessors and suppliers
- Ensure 100% SEAI compliance to avoid grant failures or clawbacks
- Act as the main contact for homeowners from approval to completion
- Control schedules, budgets, risks and quality
This type of role is becoming one of the most valuable positions in Ireland’s plumbing sector because SEAI-funded retrofits must meet strict technical standards.
Who should apply
This job is suited to plumbers who have:
- At least 5 years of plumbing or heating experience
- Experience with retrofit, heat pumps or building upgrades
- SEAI, NZEB or Retrofit Coordinator training
- Strong organisational and communication skills
Why this job stands out
Unlike many plumbing jobs, this position offers:
- Management-level salary in a trade role
- Stable long-term work backed by government funding
- A pathway into senior renewable-energy and retrofit careers
For international plumbers, this type of role is also highly valuable for Irish work permit and visa applications, as it is a skills-shortage position in a government-supported sector.
How to apply
Tracey De Wit
(353)87 621 9331
tracey@irelandcareer.com
www.irelandcareer.com
Featured Job: Qualified Plumber
One of the standout openings is with Efficient Renewables Limited, a prestigious renewable energy company based in County Donegal. The company specializes in sustainable heating systems and is looking for certified plumbers who are ready to contribute to large-scale residential and commercial projects.
Job Details
- Position: Qualified Plumber
- Location: County Donegal, Ireland
- Employer: Efficient Renewables Limited
- Salary: €35,000 – €45,000 (depending on experience and qualifications)
- Type: Full-time, permanent
Key Responsibilities
- Installation and maintenance of plumbing and heating systems
- Working with underfloor heating and solar panel systems
- Assisting in the setup of heat recovery ventilation systems
- Following strict safety standards and company procedures
- Reporting progress and maintaining site documentation
Required Qualifications
- FÁS or equivalent plumbing certification
- Safe Pass and Manual Handling Certificates
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Long-term employment prospects
- Professional development opportunities
- Contribution to environmentally responsible projects
If you meet the plumber jobs in Ireland above criteria and are passionate about renewable energy, this could be the perfect opportunity to advance your plumbing career in Ireland.
How to Apply
Interested candidates can apply directly by emailing:
christy@ehprenewables.com
Alternatively, for plumber jobs in Ireland you can contact Tracey Milledge – De Wit at:
(+353) 87 621 9331
www.irelandcareer.com
Applications should include your CV, proof of qualifications, and references. Candidates are encouraged to highlight their experience with underfloor heating, solar panels, or ventilation systems, as these skills are in high demand.
Types of plumbing jobs in Ireland
Plumbing jobs in Ireland range from hands-on technical roles to high-level management positions. The most common categories include:
Domestic and Commercial Plumber
These plumbers work on:
- Residential homes
- Apartment buildings
- Offices, hotels, and public buildings
- New construction and renovations
Tasks include pipe installation, leak repairs, heating systems, boilers, water pressure systems, and maintenance.
Heating & Heat Pump Installer
Ireland is rapidly switching from oil and gas to heat pumps and renewable heating. These plumbers specialise in:
- Air-to-water and ground-source heat pumps
- Radiator and underfloor heating upgrades
- Control systems and thermostats
These jobs pay more than standard plumbing roles.
Retrofit Plumber
Retrofit plumbers work on upgrading older homes to meet SEAI energy standards. This includes:
- Heating system replacement
- Pipe insulation
- Control upgrades
- Integration with BER energy ratings
These roles are in extremely high demand.
Plumbing Project Manager / SEAI Retrofit Coordinator
This is one of the highest-paid roles in the Irish plumbing market.
Using the Donegal vacancy you shared as an example, this role involves:
- Managing plumbing-led retrofit projects
- Coordinating plumbers, electricians, BER assessors, and suppliers
- Ensuring full SEAI compliance
- Preventing grant failures or clawbacks
- Managing schedules, risks, and customer experience
These roles combine plumbing expertise with project management and grant administration.
Plumbing salaries in Ireland
Plumbing is one of the best-paid trades in Ireland.
Typical salary ranges in 2026:
| Role | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Apprentice plumber | €28,000 – €35,000 |
| Qualified plumber | €40,000 – €55,000 |
| Heating / heat pump specialist | €45,000 – €60,000 |
| Retrofit plumber | €45,000 – €65,000 |
| Plumbing Project Manager / SEAI Coordinator | €45,000 – €65,000+ |
The Donegal Plumbing Project Manager role you shared offers €45,000 to €65,000 per year, depending on experience. This is typical for senior retrofit positions across Ireland.
Many employers also offer:
- Company vehicle
- Tools and equipment
- Paid training
- Overtime and bonuses
Skills and qualifications employers want
To get plumbing jobs in Ireland, most employers look for:
For plumbers
- Plumbing qualification (trade certificate, Level 6, NVQ, or equivalent)
- Experience with heating systems
- Ability to read drawings and technical specifications
- Safety and compliance awareness
For retrofit and project roles
- SEAI registration or training
- NZEB (Nearly Zero Energy Building) certification
- Retrofit Project Coordinator qualification
- Knowledge of SEAI technical specifications
- Experience managing compliance and audits
The Donegal role also requires:
- Minimum 5 years’ experience
- Full driving licence
- Fluent English
- Ability to manage subcontractors and customers
Where plumbing jobs are located
Plumbing jobs exist across all of Ireland, but the highest demand is in:
- Dublin – commercial buildings, apartments, retrofits
- Cork – housing and industrial projects
- Galway – residential and hotel developments
- Donegal – rural housing, SEAI retrofits
- Limerick & Wexford – large retrofit and construction projects
Rural areas often struggle to find qualified plumbers, making them more open to hiring international workers.
Can foreigners get plumbing jobs in Ireland?
Yes. Plumbing is a skills-shortage occupation in Ireland.
Non-EU citizens can qualify for:
- General Employment Permit
- Or Critical Skills Permit for specialist roles
Employers often support visa applications for:
- Experienced plumbers
- Heating engineers
- Retrofit project managers
SEAI retrofit roles are especially strong for visa approval because they are part of a government-backed programme.
How to apply for plumbing jobs in Ireland
To find plumbing jobs in Ireland:
- Search on trusted job portals like
👉 European-Jobs.com - Look for:
- Plumber
- Heating engineer
- Retrofit plumber
- SEAI coordinator
- Plumbing project manager
- Prepare:
- CV with experience
- Qualifications and certificates
- Proof of work history
Employers often conduct interviews by video call before issuing job offers.
Future of plumbing in Ireland
The Irish government has committed to upgrading 500,000 homes to energy-efficient standards by 2030. This guarantees long-term demand for plumbers, retrofit specialists, and project managers.
This makes plumbing one of the safest and most profitable trades in Ireland for the next decade.
Next steps
If you are looking for stable, high-paid work in Europe, plumbing jobs in Ireland offer outstanding opportunities in 2026. From hands-on plumbing roles to high-level SEAI retrofit project management positions, Ireland needs skilled professionals now.
With salaries up to €65,000 per year, visa support, and strong job security, plumbing has become one of the best careers for both Irish and international workers.
Browse current openings at European-Jobs.com in Ireland and apply directly to employers hiring across Ireland. Follow the latest European vacancies on our Facebook page.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the featured job opening in Donegal, Ireland?
The featured role is Plumbing Project Manager / SEAI Retrofit Coordinator based in Donegal, Ireland, focused on plumbing-led home retrofit projects such as heat pumps, heating upgrades, controls, and SEAI grant compliance.
What salary does this Plumbing Project Manager role offer?
The advertised salary range is €45,000 to €65,000 per year, negotiable depending on experience, qualifications, and fit for the role.
Is this a full-time permanent job?
Yes. The position is listed as full-time and permanent, with a 40-hour work week and some travel required.
What are the main responsibilities of the role?
The role involves day-to-day project management of plumbing-led retrofit works, coordinating trades (plumbers, electricians, BER assessors, suppliers), ensuring full SEAI compliance, managing timelines and risks, and acting as the main contact for homeowners from grant approval to completion.
What experience and qualifications are required?
The job requires at least 5 years of experience and typically a Level 6 trade qualification (or equivalent), or relevant SEAI-aligned credentials such as SEAI registration, NZEB training, or Retrofit Coordinator training aligned with NSAI/SEAI standards.
Do I need a driving licence and fluent English?
Yes. The listing specifies a full B driving licence and fluent English as requirements, as the role includes coordination, communication with homeowners, and some travel.
Is SEAI grant administration part of the job?
Yes. A key part of the role is administering SEAI grant applications from start to finish, ensuring there are no compliance issues, grant failures, or clawbacks.
How do I apply for this job?
To apply, submit your application directly to the recruiter/contact listed in the vacancy. Include a CV highlighting retrofit/heating experience, compliance knowledge, and project coordination skills.