Údarás na Gaeltachta helped to create 234 new jobs in Galway Gaeltacht in 2025 – a one per cent decrease over the previous year.

That’s according to the regional development agency’s Annual Report for 2025, which also revealed that the total number of people employed in Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies in the Galway Gaeltacht is now 3,724.

The report highlighted what Údarás called ‘a year of sustained growth, strategic investment and continued progress in strengthening enterprise, community and the Irish language across Gaeltacht regions’.

Key highlights included a total of 681 new jobs created in Gaeltacht areas in 2025 – meaning there are now 9,716 people employed in Údarás client companies, with combined sales exceeding €1 billion for the second consecutive year.

Over €18 million investment approved for Gaeltacht capital projects and a total of 28 Language Plans are being supported with €3.9 million in funding.

Client companies supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta achieved sales of over €1 billion for the second year in succession, underlining the resilience and international competitiveness of Gaeltacht-based enterprise.

Exports reached €697 million, representing 60% of total sales and demonstrating the global reach of businesses operating from Gaeltacht communities.

The gteic network expanded to 29 hubs, supporting 436 employees and providing 867 workspaces, with two further hubs due to open in 2026.

A total of €7.375 million was allocated to support 33 community development organisations across the Gaeltacht in 2025.

The report revealed that €4 million was allocated for new visitor centres on the Aran Islands and Cape Clear Island, in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, while the Emigrants’ Memorial Centre in Carna neared completion.

Joyce Country & Western Lakes Geopark received UNESCO Global Geopark status. The audiovisual sector generated 460 positions and contributed €4 million to the Gaeltacht economy.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary congratulated Údarás na Gaeltachta on another successful year.

“It is a remarkable achievement to have almost 10,000 people employed in the organization’s client companies and to achieve sales of €1 billion for the second consecutive year,” he said.

“This would not happen without the strategic work that has been done by the organisation over a long period.

“The organisation also had a central role in the language planning process last year, a role that will be expanded in 2026 with new schemes to be announced to embed language planning into Gaeltacht business affairs.'”

CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta Tomás Ó Síocháin described 2025 as a landmark year for the Gaeltacht, ‘with employment reaching nearly 10,000 people and our client companies surpassing €1 billion in sales for the second consecutive year’.

“The creation of 681 new jobs, combined with record success in securing competitive research funding, demonstrates the innovation and resilience of Gaeltacht enterprise,” he said.

“Our expansion of the gteic digital hub network and groundbreaking work in Irish-language AI development positions the Gaeltacht at the forefront of technological advancement while strengthening our language and communities. We’re building a sustainable future where enterprise growth and language vitality go hand in hand.”

As of October 31, there were 93 vacancies available with client companies, offering opportunities for Galway jobseekers.

Pictured: Report…CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta Tomás Ó Síocháin.