Údarás na Gaeltachta has reported an increase in job creation, investment, and language promotion for 2024.
The regional development agency for the Gaeltacht said 869 jobs were created in Gaeltacht areas last year, bringing to almost 10,000 the number of people employed in Údarás client companies.
Údarás companies achieved a record €1.1 billion in sales including €658m in exports - an increase of over €20 million since 2023.
The almost €1.1bn in annual sales during the year, was a 4.4% increase from 2023, and 28% growth compared to 2014.
Today's report is published as many businesses in Gaeltacht areas are dealing with the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.
"I am keenly aware that we present this statement shortly after the destruction from Storm Éowyn, the impacts of which are still being felt in many areas across the country.," said Údarás na Gaeltachta CEO Tomás Ó Síocháin.
"This shows the need for stability of services in the Gaeltacht regions, as well as investment and security for infrastructure to ensure that businesses are protected and can continue to do business when extreme weather events take place."
Last year saw 28 Language Plans in operation, supported by an annual budget of €3.9m, supporting 36 posts.
In addition to supporting Údarás and Language Planning Officers to encourage Irish language use among Gaeltacht businesses, the Department approved further funding of €3.2m in 2024 for Údarás to develop and deliver two new three-year support programs starting this year.
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Overall investment in community development exceeded €7 million, including €3.88 million in operational grants for 33 community development organisations supported across Gaeltacht regions.
Údarás, in conjunction with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, announced in 2024 that it was starting the process of the development of a roadmap for an Irish Language AI tool. The goal set out is independent speech communication with AI choice on any tool by the end of 2026.
The agency oversaw the operation of 29 digital hubs, as part of the gteic network, four of which are under development. These hubs currently have over 465 employees and 869 total workspaces available.
In 2024 there was also significant investment in visitor centres and cultural facilities such as €2.41 million approved for the Árainn visitor centre and a new emigrant experience centre being developed in Carna, as well as a partnership with the Great Lighthouses of Ireland for sustainable coastal tourism.
Mr Ó Síocháin said, "We are delighted to share these strong results from Údarás na Gaeltachta's most successful year to date. This statement shows the reach of the innovation and investment across not just Gaeltacht regions, but across Ireland.
"In 2025, we will continue to build on this growth so the companies that Údarás support continue to strive."
Siobhán Ní Ghadhra, Chair of the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta, also acknowledged the strong performance.
"While we celebrate this progress, we also recognise the challenges ahead. We are committed to securing a prosperous future for our Gaeltachtaí, supporting the local economy, and ensuring that we continue to nurture and preserve the language that is vital in sustaining viable Gaeltacht communities," she said.
