Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs

Údarás na Gaeltachta

Primary Responsibility

The primary responsibility of Údarás na Gaeltachta is to develop the Gaeltacht economy in order to preserve and enrich the Irish language as the principal language therein.  In pursuance of its objectives, Údarás na Gaeltachta, established in 1980, pursues strategic aims in the areas of industrial development, regional development and human resources development.  Údarás is also involved in community, cultural and language development activities.  A link to the Údarás website is available at www.udaras.ie

Funding

The Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs provides financial assistance annually to Údarás na Gaeltachta.  The overall provision for 2009 is €35.635m broken down as follows:

•  €19.65m   - capital expenditure
•  €4.185m   - current expenditure and
•  €11.8m     - administration.

In addition, further non-exchequer investment will arise from Údarás’ own resources (e.g., rental income, consultancy services, sale of assets, EU funding, etc.).  

Employment

At the end of 2008, in enterprises which received support from Údarás, there were:-

• 8,193 persons employed on a full-time equivilant basis.