GAIRM – Graduate Management Programme Developing Future Leaders launched by ATU and Údarás na Gaeltachta

Údarás na Gaeltachta and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) have officially launched a pioneering bilingual postgraduate Management Development programme.  This bilingual programme is designed to provide key management skills to the next generation of business and management professionals working in the public and private sectors. The launch event celebrated the first cohort of participants currently enrolled on the GAIRM programme.  The participants work full-time with Údaras na Gaeltachta which completing their academic programme with the ATU.

The primary purpose of this program is to support Údarás na Gaeltachta’s mission to preserve and strengthen Irish as a living language, and to promote the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht.

The Postgraduate Diploma entitled, “Business in Professional Practice in Management (Level 9)”, delivered by the School of Business at ATU Galway, forms a central part of the GAIRM Programme The programme integrates professional work placements with academic study to create a new model of post graduate learning and professional development that strengthens regional leadership and bilingual business capacity.

Ten graduates are currently enrolled on the fully subscribed two-year programme.  The programme blends practical work experience across Údarás na Gaeltachta’s different Divisions with postgraduate study. Participants are employed and paid by Údarás throughout the programme, working on three-month rotations in areas such as enterprise development, corporate services, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.

Each academic semester, students complete four modules (two in Irish and two in English), with a mix of online and on-campus delivery. The course also provides progression opportunities to a Master of Business in Professional Practice in Management for those wishing to further their studies.

The programme was launched at ATU’s Galway City campus recently, an event attended by ATU President Dr. Orla Flynn, Údarás na Gaeltachta CEO Tomás Ó Síocháin, and senior representatives from both organisations and academic staff. Those currently enrolled under the GAIRM programme were central to the launch event

Speaking at the launch, Dr Flynn said the collaboration represents “a strong alignment between ATU’s regional mission and Údarás na Gaeltachta’s commitment to sustainable economic and community development through education, training and skills development.”

Mr Ó Síocháin added: “We are exceptionally proud of this outstanding group of graduates, and deeply grateful for our valuable cooperation with OTA in developing the next generation of dynamic and capable managers. Today marks not just an achievement, but the beginning of an exciting journey for these talented individuals who will go on to make meaningful contributions, whether in Údarás na Gaeltachta, other organisations, or wherever their careers may lead them.”

Programme participants Ailiadh Breathnach from Indreabhán, Co. Galway and Seán Ó Coileáin from County Waterford also addressed the event, sharing insights from their experience of combining postgraduate study with the real-world work environment serving Gaeltacht enterprises and Gaeltacht communities

The GAIRM 2026-28 programme is due to launched in December 2025.  Applications will be welcomed early in the New Year for the next intake under this programme.  Applications will be welcome from candidates with fluent Irish and an NFQI Level 8 Degree (current or pending course completement during the current Academic Year) in various fields such as business, technology, accounting, planning, project management, science, social sciences, and communications.

For those interested in finding out more please visit www.udaras.ie/GAIRM