Plan for Irish Language Speech AI Services by the end of 2026

9 October, 2024

min read

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media (DTCAGSM), Údarás na Gaeltachta, and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDR) are initiating a tender process to develop a tool based on artificial intelligence (AI) and the rich resources of the Irish language.

Under the Irish Language AI Roadmap being developed, it is planned to develop Irish-to-Irish AI speech services by the end of 2026. This facility, building on existing text possibilities, will serve as a model for lesser-used languages worldwide. This tool will be able to function with any AI product on the market and provide a service in all Irish language dialects.

A Prior Information Notice (PIN) and Open Market Consultation (OMC) are being published today as the first step towards a European tender to develop the tool. The technology to be developed will fill a gap in the market according to research done by lawyers advising the European Union as part of this process.

This tool will be managed by Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Department of TCAGSM under the care of a DAC – a dedicated company. Development of other services in Irish using existing Irish text tools will begin, and it is planned that this dedicated company will offer services to the public sector and offer training to public service workers towards meeting the Government’s 2030 recruitment target.

Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta said:

“It is essential that the emerging AI technology be available to the next generation of Irish speakers. Building on the tools currently available towards AI tools able to converse in Irish will not only provide for better public services, it will create innovation and research opportunities in lesser used language markets across Europe and the rest of the world world that are struggling to come to terms with the opportunities and challenges of AI.”

Siobhán Ní Ghadhra, Chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta, added:

“This project demonstrates our commitment to putting Irish at the forefront of the modern technological world. By investing in technology, we are fostering a sustainable future for the language and creating new development and employment opportunities in our Gaeltacht communities.”

Three specific planned developments:

  • A platform and tool that will be able to offer high-quality services and advice in Irish to the public and as a language resource for state agencies.
  • Training courses for the public sector that will result in people with Irish and AI skills and training opportunities for young Irish speakers who will be working towards the Government’s 2030 recruitment target.
  • Enterprise development in this sector in Gaeltacht areas and for companies using Irish in the education, learning, and other sectors, and international development and export opportunities for other lesser-used languages.

Additonal Information www.udaras.ie/ai