Waterford Production Company Red Shoe, based in An Rinn, is featuring in a campaign by Údarás na Gaeltachta

Waterford Production Company Red Shoe, based in An Rinn, is featuring in a campaign launched this week by Údarás na Gaeltachta. The campaign ‘An Chéad Chéim Eile’ (The Next Step), showcases how the organisation is building upon decades of development work to chart an innovative future for Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions. Through seven compelling stories one from each of the Gaeltachts in Ireland, the campaign illustrates how traditional heritage and modern enterprise are creating sustainable, vibrant Irish-speaking communities.

When TV producer Maggie made the bold decision to relocate her production company to her Gaeltacht hometown, she wasn’t just coming home – she was pioneering a new wave of creative enterprise. Her company’s success proves that world-class media production can flourish in Ireland’s Gaeltacht regions, where community spirit and natural beauty provide the perfect backdrop for creativity to thrive. Through Údarás na Gaeltachta’s creative industry infrastructure support and employment grants, the company has created sustainable media jobs in the heart of the Gaeltacht.

Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO of Údarás na Gaeltachta said:

“This campaign represents Údarás na Gaeltachta’s commitment to building upon its foundational work, taking the next steps together with communities, entrepreneurs, and innovators to ensure the Gaeltacht regions continue to thrive as centres of both cultural preservation and economic innovation. These stories reflect not just individual successes, but the organisation’s broader vision of supporting initiatives that secure a vibrant future for Ireland’s Gaeltacht communities while honouring their rich heritage”.

As the Gaeltacht regions embrace the digital age, Údarás na Gaeltachta is taking “the next steps, together” with these unique communities, positioning them at the forefront of technological innovation. Through strategic investments in digital infrastructure, AI research facilities, and tech startup incubators, we are creating an ecosystem where traditional language communities can thrive in the artificial intelligence era.

This forward-thinking approach ensures Gaeltacht regions are not just preserving their cultural heritage but are becoming hubs for next-generation technology companies, creating high-skilled employment opportunities that allow young people to build careers while living in Irish-speaking communities”.