Údarás na Gaeltachta has reported continued growth across the Gaeltacht, with 15 new jobs created in the Waterford Gaeltacht in 2025.
The agency released its Annual Report for 2025 today (Thursday, 6 February 2026), highlighting sustained investment in enterprise, community development and the Irish language.
As a result, total employment in Údarás client companies in the Waterford Gaeltacht has risen to 278 people, representing a 1% increase on 2024. In addition, four vacancies were available in the region at the end of October 2025.
Key National Highlights
Across all Gaeltacht regions, Údarás recorded a strong performance in 2025:
681 new jobs created
9,716 people employed in client companies
Sales exceeded €1 billion for the second consecutive year
€697 million in exports
€570 million in direct expenditure in the Irish economy
€38.1 million secured under the Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund
Over €18 million approved for capital projects
28 Language Plans supported with €3.9 million in funding
585 full-time equivalent jobs in social enterprises
436 people employed across 29 gteic digital hubs
€1.4 million invested in training and skills development
Enterprise and Employment
Client companies once again achieved sales of over €1 billion, underlining the strength and competitiveness of Gaeltacht businesses. Moreover, exports reached €697 million, accounting for 60% of total sales.
Meanwhile, Údarás supported the creation of 681 new jobs, bringing total employment to 9,716 across seven counties. At year-end, 214 vacancies remained, showing continued demand for skilled workers.
Furthermore, client companies secured a record €38.1 million under DTIF Call 7, contributing to more than €70 million in competitive research funding across 14 projects.
Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence
The gteic digital hub network expanded to 29 hubs, supporting 436 employees and providing 867 workspaces. In addition, two new hubs are set to open in 2026.
At the same time, work continued on Irish-language AI development. This included the publication of a national roadmap and collaboration with researchers from Trinity College Dublin, UCC, University of Galway and Mozilla Common Voice and Data Collective. As part of this, teams developed a speech-to-speech proof of concept to support Irish-language public services.
Community Development
Údarás allocated €7.375 million to support 33 community development organisations in 2025.
In addition, research confirmed the strong economic contribution of social enterprises. These organisations now generate €21.53 million annually and support 585 full-time equivalent jobs.
Housing also remained a priority. During the year, Údarás appointed a dedicated Housing Adviser, and the Government formally recognised Gaeltacht housing needs in the Housing Plan 2025.
Language Planning
During 2025, 28 Language Plans were actively implemented across 26 Language Planning Areas and two Gaeltacht Service Towns. These initiatives received €3.9 million in funding and support from 33 Language Planning Officers.
Meanwhile, Údarás launched the Irish Language Development Scheme for larger client companies. By year-end, 15 companies had registered, representing a combined workforce of 1,139 employees. The scheme promotes the use of Irish in the workplace and strengthens the link between enterprise and language.
In addition, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht published a comprehensive review of the language planning process. Continued funding has now been confirmed through to 2027.
Tourism and Cultural Investment
Údarás allocated €4 million for new visitor centres on the Aran Islands and Cape Clear Island, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland. Meanwhile, the Emigrants’ Memorial Centre in Carna neared completion.
Elsewhere, Joyce Country & Western Lakes Geopark achieved UNESCO Global Geopark status. At the same time, the audiovisual sector supported 460 jobs and contributed €4 million to the Gaeltacht economy.
Education and Training
Údarás invested €1.4 million in training and skills development during 2025.
Participation in the Apprenticeship Scheme rose to 152 learners, marking a significant increase on the previous year. In addition, the GAIRM graduate programme, delivered with Atlantic Technological University, continued to combine professional placements with a Level 9 postgraduate qualification.
Furthermore, the CUMASÚ entrepreneurship programme supported 40 Gaeltacht women entrepreneurs as part of a three-year initiative aimed at assisting up to 150 participants.
Minister’s Response
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, welcomed the report.
“I congratulate Údarás na Gaeltachta on another successful year. Employing almost 10,000 people and achieving sales of €1 billion for the second year in a row represents a remarkable achievement,” he said.
“This success reflects the strategic work of the organisation over many years. In addition, Údarás played a central role in the language planning process in 2025, and that role will expand further in 2026 with new schemes to embed language planning into Gaeltacht business.”
CEO’s Statement
CEO Tomás Ó Síocháin described 2025 as a landmark year.
“Employment reached nearly 10,000 people, and client companies once again surpassed €1 billion in sales,” he said. “The creation of 681 new jobs and record research funding highlights the innovation and resilience of Gaeltacht enterprise.
“Our expansion of the gteic network and our work on Irish-language AI place the Gaeltacht at the forefront of technological development. At the same time, we continue to strengthen our language and communities. We are building a sustainable future where enterprise growth and language vitality go hand in hand.”
Chair’s Comment
Chair of the Board Siobhán Ní Ghadhra said the organisation’s core mission remains unchanged.
“Our fundamental objective is to build communities where Irish serves as the language of daily life,” she said. “Behind every statistic stands a person with deep ties to the Gaeltacht and a commitment to its future.
“We support entrepreneurs who create meaningful businesses, generate jobs, and open new opportunities. The growth achieved in 2025 was remarkable once again, and I commend the entire Údarás team for their outstanding work.”
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