Gaeltacht workforce grows to nearly 10,000 as skills investment reaches record levels

Údarás na Gaeltachta, Ireland's regional development agency for Gaeltacht areas, has reported substantial workforce expansion with 681 new jobs created in 2025, bringing total employment within client companies to 9,716 people across seven counties.

According to Donegal Live, the Donegal Gaeltacht accounted for 218 new positions, representing a 2% increase on 2024 and bringing regional employment to 2,690. Some 77 vacancies remained available with client companies at year end, reflecting continued demand for skilled talent.

Skills development emerged as a strategic priority, with €1.4 million invested in training initiatives throughout the year. The organisation's Apprenticeship Scheme expanded significantly to 152 participants, marking a substantial increase on previous participation levels.

The GAIRM graduate programme, delivered in partnership with Atlantic Technological University, continued to combine professional placements with Level 9 postgraduate qualifications. Separately, the CUMASÚ entrepreneurship programme supported 40 Gaeltacht women entrepreneurs as part of a three-year initiative targeting 150 participants.

Digital workforce capacity expanded through the gteic hub network, which grew to 29 locations supporting 436 employees and providing 867 workspaces. Two additional hubs are scheduled to open in 2026.

Client companies recorded sales exceeding €1 billion for the second consecutive year, with exports generating €697 million. Direct expenditure in the Irish economy reached €570 million, underlining the economic impact of Gaeltacht-based enterprises.

Tomás Ó Síocháin, chief executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta, said: "The creation of 681 new jobs, combined with record success in securing competitive research funding, demonstrates the innovation and resilience of Gaeltacht enterprise."

The social enterprise sector continued to play a significant role in workforce provision, delivering 585 full-time equivalent positions across Gaeltacht communities. Research confirmed these enterprises contribute €21.53 million annually to the regional economy.

Discover the full employment and workforce development findings in the complete report.