1,000 people employed by Údarás na Gaeltachta to support community projects throughout the Gaeltacht
A dedicated team throughout the country is developing and improving community and sports facilities, landscapes, and quietly but effectively preserving heritage sites
Supervisors from the western social employment schemes gathered yesterday in Údarás na Gaeltachta’s regional office in Furbo to discuss the work carried out by the schemes in the West of Ireland over the past year and to look ahead at future possibilities.
Nationally, there are close to 1,000 people employed by Údarás na Gaeltachta on Social Employment Schemes, with more than 600 employed as participants and supervisors in the West.
Currently, 28 supervisors are operating across the various schemes, with almost 600 participants in the West, based throughout the Gaeltacht regions.
The supervisors oversee the work being carried out by scheme participants in partnership with the organisations and committees they work with.
The schemes play a major role in the maintenance and development of walking routes throughout the Gaeltacht. Among some of the recent projects are walking routes in Ceantar na nOileán, Seanadh Mhacha, Dún Chaocháin walks, the Ceann Iorrais walk, along with maintenance of the Bealach Glas i Maigh Eo and support for all western Gaeltacht GAA clubs.
Among the schemes being run are the TÚS Scheme, the Community Employment Scheme, and the Rural Social Scheme, which are funded by the Department of Social Protection and managed in the Gaeltacht by Údarás na Gaeltachta.
“The work of the schemes is central the Gaeltacht community — working on football pitches, in charity shops, cemeteries, office administration and social care such as elderly care and meals on wheels,” said Kevin Ó hEadhra, Regional Employment Schemes Executive for the Connacht/Leinster Region at Údarás na Gaeltachta. “They are heavily involved in developing and maintaining walking trails and assisting tidy towns committees. In addition, the schemes provide training and development opportunities for the Gaeltacht community.”
Yesterday, 26 supervisors gave presentations on the work they carry out daily in the western Gaeltacht areas. Among them, many presented their work with local committees to improve biodiversity.
Seán Ó Coisdealbha, Western Regional Manager at Údarás na Gaeltachta, said:
“It is wonderful to have the supervisors here with us and to have the opportunity to discuss the valuable work they are doing. The employment schemes play an extremely important role in the development and improvement of community, sports, and landscape facilities, and in the preservation of heritage sites, and they have a strong social impact in their areas of operation.”
The Social Employment Schemes are rooted in the community and, with over €18 million spent on them in the West in 2024, the schemes and the work of participants are a true sign of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s commitment to the Gaeltacht community.
Are you interested in supporting your community?
There are currently places available on the Údarás schemes, and if you are entitled to a social welfare payment, you can contact the Údarás na Gaeltachta office in your region, call 091-503100, or email sst@udaras.ie for more information.