Partnership signed to boost Gaelic and Irish speaking communities

A new partnership to boost collaboration on economic growth, community development and cultural preservation in Irish and Scottish Gaelic speaking areas has been signed.

A Memorandum of Understanding between Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and Údarás na Gaeltachta was signed in the presence of the Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes and in and simultaneously signed by Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, with Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO, Údarás na Gaeltachta.

The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in key areas such as artificial intelligence, housing, tourism, language development and renewable energy to support Gaelic’s continued growth across Scotland.

Údarás na Gaeltachta leads the economic, social and cultural advancement of Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions, known for their Irish-speaking communities and rich cultural heritage.

Through initiatives supporting local businesses, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure, the organisation works to sustain economic growth and preserve the Irish language.

Joanna Peteranna, HIE’s director of area operations, said

“Economic growth, cultural conservation, language development and job creation are vital to the sustainable development of both the Gaeltacht and the Highlands and Islands. Recognising Gaelic’s importance to the regional identity and everyday life in our region and we are committed to its preservation and promotion.

“This partnership strengthens our shared dedication to regional development, unlocking new opportunities and ensuring lasting prosperity.”

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:

“This agreement will help both language communities to learn from one another and take forward new measures which help them thrive in their traditional communities.

“Gaelic enriches communities and is an important part of our history, heritage and culture.

“To support Gaelic’s growth, the Scottish Government is providing an additional £5.7m for Gaelic language initiatives this year.”

Welcoming the signing of the agreement, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD stated:

“Building on the close historical links between Ireland and Scotland, the signing of this partnership represents a further strengthening of the relationship between the two nations. 

“The agreement complements and strengthens  the Joint Bilateral Trade Agreement between the Irish and Scottish Governments and will benefit the communities of both the Gaeltacht in Ireland and the Highlands and Islands region of Scotland in the years to come.”

Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO Údarás na Gaeltacht said:

“We are delighted to announce this partnership agreement that will foster collaboration in areas of shared priority, creating mutual benefits while advancing regional development across our respective communities. Through this initiative, we will not only exchange research findings and best-practice models focused on promoting language preservation and growth through innovative business and social enterprise approaches but also addressing AI in Gaeilge and Gàidhlig, renewable energy and cultural tourism initiatives.”