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Údarás na Gaeltachta

We encourage investment in the Gaeltacht through a range of generous financial and non-financial incentives for new and existing enterprises in the Gaeltacht. We support businesses in developing new markets, technologies, products and strategic alliances through research and development. Gaeltacht companies span a range of commercial sectors including – life sciences, ICT, tourism, fish processing and aquaculture, renewable energy, food, niche manufacturing, audio visual and digital media, arts and crafts. Over 9,500 people are currently employed full time in Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies and these companies have a significant economic impact and make a substantial contribution to the Irish economy.

Who we are?

The overall objective of Údarás na Gaeltachta is to ensure that Irish remains the main communal language of the Gaeltacht and is passed on to future generations. The Údarás endeavours to achieve that objective by funding and fostering a wide range of enterprise development and job creation initiatives and by supporting strategic language, cultural and community based activities. Established in 1980, Údarás na Gaeltachta is the regional authority responsible for the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht.

Who we service?

Údarás na Gaeltachta has a dedicated team working in five Regional Offices and covering all seven Gaeltacht regions offering a range of support services at local, regional and national levels and implementing the organisation's functions in enterprise development and job creation, promotion of the Irish language and culture, and community development.

We support businesses in developing new markets, technologies, products and strategic alliances through research and development. We provide comprehensive incentives and supports to help businesses start up, develop, expand or locate in Gaeltacht regions. Our services include financial assistance, business development grants, training supports, property solutions, and strategic business planning guidance.

We support a range of commercial sectors including:

  • Life sciences and bio-medical/pharmaceutical
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
  • Tourism and hospitality
  • Fish processing and aquaculture
  • Renewable energy
  • Food production and processing
  • Niche manufacturing
  • Audio visual & digital media
  • Arts and crafts

In 2024, we supported the creation of 869 jobs in Gaeltacht areas, with almost 10,000 people now employed in our client companies across these diverse sectors. We operate from strategically located business parks and enterprise units throughout the Gaeltacht, offering modern facilities with high-speed connectivity and proximity to local communities

What we do?

Established in 1980, Údarás na Gaeltachta is the regional development authority funded by the Government to promote the linguistic, cultural, social, physical and economic development of the Gaeltacht. The overall objective of Údarás na Gaeltachta policy is to ensure the strengthening and maintenance of Irish as the main communal language of the Gaeltacht, along with passing it on to the next generation as a legacy. An tÚdarás endeavours to achieve that objective by fostering and funding enterprise development and job creation initiatives and by supporting strategic language, cultural and community-based activities.

At a glance

Focus

Our primary focus is on funding and fostering a wide range of enterprise development and job creation initiatives and by supporting strategic language, cultural and community based activities.

Sectors

Life sciences, ICT, tourism, fish processing and aquaculture, renewable energy, food, niche manufacturing, audio visual and digital media, arts and crafts.

Network

5 Regional offices 

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35 supports based on your selections

Strategic Consultancy Services Grant

Cover the cost of expert advice on business development

You might be eligible if: 

  • You are a small to medium business
  • Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region


Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

LeanPlus (Údarás)

Apply Lean practices to improve operational effectiveness

In an ever-evolving world, businesses must always be ready for change. LeanPlus is an in-depth programme that helps you put new processes in place to reduce costs and make your business more efficient and competitive.

Businesses that want to put new processes in place to improve company productivity and reduce inefficiency

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client 
  • You are a potential Údarás na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium business
  • You have already completed LeanStart 


Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

LeanStart - Udaras

An introduction to Lean Thinking

LeanStart is an introductory, short-focused training programme that introduces your company to Lean thinking. Lean thinking is a set of business principles that can help staff learn new ways of working and identify inefficient processes that do not add value to a business. 

Businesses looking to make practical improvements in their business to deliver better quality faster and without waste. 

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client
  • You are a potential Údarás na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium business


Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Research & Development Grants

Increase sales and employment with research and development

With this funding, businesses can address technical challenges and stay competitive by developing their Research and Development capabilities.

You might be eligible if: 

  • You are a small to medium business
  • Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Capital investment for decarbonisation processes - Udaras

Invest in carbon-reducing technologies

This grant is designed to help businesses pay for the changes needed to reduce their carbon emissions, making their operations more environmentally friendly. Investing in new tools, research, ideas, and green technology can help your company reach its goal of zero carbon emissions faster.

Businesses working to make their manufacturing processes less polluting.

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client 
  • You are a potential Údarás na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium business 
  • You are trading in the manufacturing industry

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Grants

Priming Grant (Céad Céim)-Udaras

Get funding to start your business

The early stages are the hardest for small businesses. This support reduces the financial burden of starting a business to increase your chances of growth and success

For businesses that need assistance with the initial costs of starting a business.

You may be eligible if: 

  • You employ up to 10 people
  • You have been operating for up to 18 months 

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions

Grants

Financial help to invest in initial assets

Capital Grants

This support provides assistance to businesses making an initial investment in ‘material assets’ such as buildings or equipment, or ‘immaterial assets’ such as the transfer of technology through the acquisition of patent rights, licences, know-how or unpatented technical knowledge.

You might be eligible if: 

  • You are a small to medium business
  • Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Discover new solutions to business challenges

Innovation Voucher Initiative

Innovation is essential to keep your business competitive. Innovation vouchers help small businesses collaborate with higher education institutes and public research bodies to solve technical challenges and explore opportunities.

You might be eligible if: 

  • You are a small to medium business
  • Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region

Grants

Funding for employee training programmes

Training Grant

Expanding your business requires new skills and expertise. This support provides assistance for training programmes that train or retrain employees.

You might be eligible if: 

  • You are a small to medium business
  • Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region


Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Talent & Hiring

Explore if your business idea will work

Feasibility Study Grants

This support can help to build a solid foundation for your new venture, increasing your chances of success in a competitive market.

You might be eligible if: 

  • You are a small to medium business
  • Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Grants

Cover costs of first time participation in a trade fair

Trade Fair Participation Scheme

This scheme covers key expenses like travel and stand rental, helping you to grow your business in new markets.

You might be eligible if: 

  • You are a small to medium business
  • Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Markets & Export

Grants

Track energy use and reduce your carbon footprint

Energy Monitoring and Tracking Systems - Udaras

This fund supports your business in putting the systems in place to lower your energy bills and improve energy efficiency. It helps businesses see how much energy they are using and understand where they can cut back and become more sustainable.

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an Údarás na Gaeltachta client 
  • You employ at least 10 full-time people 
  • You have been in business for at least 5 years

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Investment in return for a share in your business

Equity Investment Scheme

Údarás na Gaeltachta can provide you with funding to develop your business when it is in the expansion phase, in exchange for an equity share in your business.

You might be eligible if: 

  • You are a small to medium business
  • Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region
  • You have a comprehensive business plan


Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Grants

Practical business advice from a large mentor network

Standard Mentor Assignment - Udaras

Enterprise Ireland has a Mentor Network of over 400 successful business people with international business development experience. Údarás na Gaeltachta can offer you one-to-one sessions and practical business advice through this business mentor programme.

Business owners who want guidance from a mentor who is experienced in your sector. 

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client 
  • You are a potential Údarás na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium business

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Grants

Learn how to carry out market research to enter new markets

Development of Market Research Skills Scheme

This support can be used to help cover the internal costs of exploring new market opportunities.

You might be eligible if: 

  • You are a small to medium business
  • Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region


Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Markets & Export

Access knowledge and research to bring new products or services to market

Knowledge Transfer Ireland - Udaras

Knowledge Transfer Ireland brings business knowledge and research expertise together, and funds collaborative research projects, workshops and events to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange

Irish businesses that want to improve their products and services and become more competitive in global markets.

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client
  • You are a potential Údarás na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium or large business

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Increase productivity with digital technology

Digital Process Innovation (DPI) - Udaras

This support provides funding to invest in new digital services, organisational processes and technology that will make your business more productive and efficient.

Businesses that want to introduce digital technology to their business to create new more efficient ways of working.

  • You are an Údarás Na Gaeltachta client
  • You have been in business for at least 2 years 
  • You are internationally trading or have the potential to do so in the short term

Become more sustainable and eco-friendly

Climate Action Voucher - Udaras

Through training and advisory services, your business will find areas for improvement, and develop a plan to reduce emissions and become more resource efficient.

Businesses looking to start their sustainability journey.

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client 
  • You are a potential Údarás na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium business

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Start your sustainability journey

Green For Business - Udaras

This is an entry-level sustainability grant. It helps you to introduce ways to be more sustainable in your day-to-day operations. It aims to improve your operational performance through better efficiency so you can lower your costs and be more competitive.

You might be eligible if: 

  • You are a small to medium business
  • You employ up to 50 people 
  • You have been operating for at least 6 months
  • You have generated revenues of at least €30k

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Start your sustainability journey

GreenStart - Udaras

This is an entry-level sustainability grant. It helps you to introduce ways to be more sustainable in your day-to-day operations. It aims to improve your operational performance through better efficiency so you can lower your costs and be more competitive.

Businesses looking to make the first step to introduce sustainability awareness and practices.

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client
  • You are a potential Údarás na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium business 
  • Your project complies with relevant EU and national environmental legislation

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Develop a talent pool and gain access to new skills

GradStart- Udaras

GradStart provides financial support for businesses to compete for and hire graduate talent. The support covers the cost of taking in graduate talent on a two-year placement basis, to improve the skills base within your business.

Businesses that want to develop their talent pool and gain access to new skills. 

You may be eligible if: 

  • You’re an  Údarás na Gaeltachta client

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Become more environmentally friendly

GreenPlus - Udaras

With the GreenPlus sustainability grant, you can make your business a greener one by developing an environmental policy that is in line with international standards. This helps businesses to play their part in creating a sustainable future. 

Businesses with existing sustainability initiatives looking to further invest in sustainable business models, products and services, and train staff to improve environmental performance within their organisation.

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client 
  • You are a potential Údarás na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium business

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

EU’s flagship research and innovation programme

Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe provides Irish businesses with funding and expertise to develop and launch innovative products and services that address global challenges. 

For Irish Businesses seeking to advance their research and innovation ambitions through additional funding. 

You might be eligible if: 

  • Your business must be established in an EU Member State 
  • Your project aligns with the program's goals of research and innovation


Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Helps leaders to build skills for international growth

Leadership for Growth - Udaras

This leadership training programme helps to develop the business skills and abilities of Irish senior management. The aim is to help Irish companies to boost effectiveness, decision-making and global connections and in turn create more jobs in Ireland.

CEOs in well-established businesses (in any sector) who want their businesses to continue to grow and compete successfully on an international level.  

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an Údarás na Gaeltachta client 
  • You are a CEO or leader in your company 
  • The course fee is €25,000 (This may be higher for larger companies)

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Help and advice on intellectual property matters

IP Start - Udaras

Access Advice: IP Start supports companies to obtain external expert IP advisory and support services to address immediate IP issues. For example, prior-art research in support of an RD&I Technical Feasibility study, IP Audit, drafting and filing a patent, registering a trademark etc.

Businesses actively involved in research and development that need immediate help with intellectual property matters.

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client
  • You are an Irish owned businesses operating in the manufacturing/internationally traded services sectors employing 10 or more.

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Attract and hire key people with the right skills

Key Manager Support - Udaras

A business is nothing without good people. With this key manager grant, you can get help with the salary cost of a ‘Key Manager’ – someone whose skills are needed for the success of your business. Examples of Key Manager positions are Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technology Officer, Research & Development Manager, etc. 

Businesses seeking to hire the best leaders or fill a talent gap. 

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client 
  • You are a potential Údarás na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium business
  • You have been trading for at least 2 years


Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Get advice from an expert

IP Plus - Udaras

This support can help your business get support to protect your valuable business intellectual property (IP) rights and develop an IP strategy. The strategy should be in line with the company’s Research, Development and Innovation plans.

Businesses that want advice and training to protect their valuable IP assets. 

You may be eligible if: 

  • You’re an  Údarás na Gaeltachta client
  • You are a small to medium business 
  • Your business actively carries out research and development

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

development and deployment of disruptive technologies

Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund - Udaras

This Fund seeks to invest in the development and deployment of disruptive technologies and drive collaboration between Ireland’s world-class industry and research base, based on existing challenges. DTIF supports enterprises wishing to engage in 'industrial research' and/or 'experimental development' for collaborative research to develop and deploy disruptive technologies, on a commercial basis

Technology-based businesses of all sizes and sectors that are creating new products, processes or services that will change the way we work and live. The fund also aims to encourage research and development collaboration between universities and businesses of all sizes and industries. 

You may be eligible if:

  • You are based in Ireland
  • You are an existing  Údarás na Gaeltachta
  • You are an eligible Research Performing Organisation (RPO) – an institution that conducts research.

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Grants

Carry out market research and develop a plan to enter new markets

Market Discovery Fund (Údaras)

Enterprise Ireland's Market Discovery Fund supports businesses who are looking to explore new market opportunities. 

Businesses who are planning to enter into new international markets, or looking to introduce new products or services within existing markets.

You might be eligible if:

  • You are an Enterprise Ireland (EI) client
  • You are a potential EI client operating a small to medium or large business
  • You have been trading for 5+ years with annual revenues of at least €500K

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Strategic Marketing Review - Udaras

Improve your sales and marketing plans

This is a short, intensive programme for senior leaders. It allows you to gain support and training to identify business growth opportunities and build a clear marketing plan.

The Strategic Marketing Review is suited to 2 types of businesses - early stage clients who are limited with resources in sales and marketing, or companies that have resources, are exporting, and want to scale.

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an Údarás na Gaeltachta client 
  • You need to address sales and marketing challenges in the short term 
  • You are an early stage business with revenues of €0.5m or less 
  • You are already exporting and want to scale

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Financial assistance for job creation

Employment Grants

This is a grant to cover the cost of employing staff on a full-time or part-time basis.

You might be eligible if: 

  • You are a small to medium business
  • Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region


Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Talent & Hiring

Improve your digital marketing for business growth

Digital Marketing Capability

This support provides businesses with the help they need to effectively use digital marketing channels to reach new customers, grow sales and expand their market reach.

Businesses who want to improve their online presence and connect with a wider audience.

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an existing Údarás Na Gaeltachta client 
  • You are a potential Údarás Na Gaeltachta client operating a small to medium business

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Digital & AI

Grants

Boost innovation and growth

Innovation Partnership Programme

Enterprise Ireland's Innovation Partnership Programme (IPP) connects businesses with research institutes (universities, institutes of technology) to collaborate on research projects. Businesses can take advantage of professional research capabilities to drive innovation in their products, processes or services. 

Businesses looking to develop new or improved products, processes, services through collaboration and knowledge-sharing with Irish research institutes.


You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an existing Údarás na Gaeltachta client 
  • Clusters of companies are welcome to apply 
  • You can provide a minimum cash contribution of 20% of the total project cost


Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions. 
 

Develop a digital plan and introduce new technologies

Digital Discovery

To be competitive in today’s market, businesses need to understand what digital technology can offer. This grant incentivises and supports companies to introduce new digital technologies and solutions into their operations. Leading to greater efficiency, improved customer experiences, better decision-making, and an enhanced ability to bring better and more diverse products to market

Companies looking to introduce new digital technologies to their business to boost efficiency, improve services and create a better customer experience.

You may be eligible if: 

  • You are an Údarás Na Gaeltachta client

  • You are an Irish owned business operating in the manufacturing/internationally traded services sectors employing 10 or more.

Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Increase productivity and efficiency with digital technology

Digital Transition Fund

This support provides funding to invest in new digital tools, services and technology that will make your business more efficient and resilient

You might be eligible if: 

  • You are a small to medium business
  • Your business is developing, expanding and located in a Gaeltacht region


Eligibility is subject to terms and conditions.

Digital & AI

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Sarah

Innovate Solutions Project Manager
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