How Donegal benefited from Údarás na Gaeltachta schemes in 2016

Údarás na Gaeltachta have published their end of year review which reveals that by the end of 2016, Údarás na Gaeltachta supported 7,963 jobs, with their client companies exceeding sales of €900 million across Gaeltacht regions in the West! 

Employment levels within Gaeltacht companies have stabalised and reached its highest level in seven years.

Within Donegal, in particular Gweedore, Dungloe and Gweedore, 135 jobs were created, adding to the 2,090 full-time and part-time jobs already supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta.

198 new jobs were approved in Donegal, with an investment of over €6.23 million being pumped into the area.

A spokesperson for Údarás na Gaeltachta says; “An tÚdarás believe that there are significant opportunities for innovation in all Gaeltacht areas, provided appropriate resources are available.

“In 2017, an tÚdarás will continue with our investment programme in the cornerstone of enterprise infrastructure through four innovation units in the regions of Donegal, Mayo, Galway and Kerry, as set out as an objective in the national Action Plan for Jobs.

“A draft of two language plans in two Language Planning Areas (Gaoth Dobhair, Ranna na Feirste, Anagaire and Loch an Iúir LPA and Cois Fharraige LPA) have been submitted to Údarás na Gaeltachta and we hope to submit them to the Minister in the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs for approval in the coming weeks.

“We would like to congratulate both Lead Organisations for undertaking this complex work and bringing it to the next important stage. We applaud the effort, time and commitment of members of the Lead Organisations and subcommittees in preparing these plans.

“It is hoped that 11 more language plans will be ready for submission to the Department by the end of this year. An announcement regarding the three remaining LPAs in the Galway Gaeltacht area will be made in the coming months.

“The Gaeltacht community, who are working voluntarily to ensure a future for the Irish language, should be commended for their commitment and dedication. We will work with the Department in the coming year to agree on a budget for this important work.

To check out some of the Donegal-based businesses who have been helped out by the enterprise development team just follow the links below to see our case studies:

Bá Dhún na nGall Teo, a traditional knitwear company based in Cill Charthaigh

Donegal Yarns, a yarn production company based in the village of Cill Charthaigh

Kilcar based Studio Donegal, who produce artisan hand-woven goods.

Donegal Socks, based just outside of Glenties