Established in 1980, Údarás na Gaeltachta is the regional authority responsible for the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht.
The overall objective of Údarás na Gaeltachta is to ensure Irish remains the main language of the region and is passed on to future generations. A governing board of 20 members, 17 of whom are democratically elected by the community, and a staff of 113 people implement the agency’s development brief.
Údarás encourages investment in the Gaeltacht through a range of generous incentives for new enterprises and through support and assistance for existing businesses.
The organisation supports businesses in developing new markets, technologies, products and strategic alliances through research and development.
Over 12,000 people are employed in Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies. Údarás aims to increase this number by enabling people living in the Gaeltacht to develop their skills and expertise. Údarás offers extensive programmes of training and education for groups, private individuals and companies.
All of the organisation’s activities have the preservation and promotion of the Irish language at their core. Údarás funds a range of strategic language and cultural initiatives as well as supporting the Irish language through its own practices.
Údarás supports a number of language activities, including:
- Irish-language pre-schools
- The provision of third-level courses through Irish
- Initiatives to promote Irish in the workplace
- Community-based language learning centres
Údarás facilitates community cooperatives and community development companies in the Gaeltacht. It also encourages the voluntary organisations, which provide the advice, assistance and financial support that support these community groups.
Postal Adress:
Údarás na Gaeltachta,
Na Forbacha,
Co. na Gaillimhe
T: +353 91503100
F: +353 91503101