Statement from Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Board Meeting – 23rd July 2021
Support for 95 new jobs approved with an investment of up to €2.77m in Gaeltacht companies
The Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta approved a number of projects today (23/07/21) which will result in the creation of 95 new full-time jobs and an investment of up to €2.77m through private and State investments when these projects are underway. The proposed initiatives will support new jobs in Gaeltacht companies in Counties Donegal (21), Mayo (11), Galway (25) and Kerry (38) primarily.
Páirc na Mara Project
The most recent developments in the Páirc na Mara project in Cill Chiaráin were discussed at length at Údarás na Gaeltachta’s Board Meeting today. The Board expressed their disappointment at Galway County Council’s decision to reject the project’s planning application.
The Board unanimously agreed that the Páirc na Mara project was a strategic project for Údarás na Gaeltachta and, as such, an extremely important project for the Conamara Gaeltacht. Reiterating its support for the ongoing work, the Board requested that all options available to the organisation to move the project forward and to assist the Conamara Láir community be be examined in order.
The Board also noted that this ambitious project is based on principles of sustainability and Údarás na Gaeltachta’s commitment to the circular economy, with the concept of people, planet and employment being a key part of its strategy and its Gaeltacht Ghlas initiative. The Páirc na Mara project (for which more than 30 expressions of interest from potential investors have been received) will deliver 200 direct jobs and up to 400 indirect and ancillary jobs in an area for many years deeply affected by emigration and consequential population decline.
Funding welcomed for the gteic Gaeltacht digital network under the Connected Hubs Scheme
The Board of Údarás an Gaeltachta welcomed this week’s announcement by Minister Heather Humphreys, T.D. that over €424,000 in funding has been approved for various gteic hubs under the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Connected Hubs Scheme.
The funding includes 15 hubs which are a part of the gteic network in addition to Broadband Connection Points being developed by Local Authorities in Gaeltacht areas. The project will see improvements in energy efficiency upgrades, shelters for bicycles, video conferencing facilities and modern door access technology including other improvement works.
This extra funding will provide remote workers and those who wish to return home to Gaeltacht areas around the country with an additional opportunity to do so and ensure the survival of their communities and the Irish language.