Established in 1980, Údarás na Gaeltachta is the regional authority responsible for the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht (Gaelic speaking regions in Ireland). The overall objective of Údarás na Gaeltachta is to ensure that Irish remains the main communal language of the Gaeltacht and is passed on to future generations.

The authority endeavours to achieve that objective by funding and fostering a wide range of enterprise development and job creation initiatives and by supporting strategic language, cultural and community based activities.

Údarás na Gaeltachta encourages investment in the Gaeltacht through a range of incentives for new and existing enterprises. It supports businesses in developing new markets, technologies, products and strategic alliances through research and development. Gaeltacht companies span a range of commercial sectors, including life sciences, ICT, tourism, fish processing and aquaculture, renewable energy, food, niche manufacturing, audio visual and digital media, arts and crafts.

All of the organisation’s activities aim to maintain and to promote the Irish language and culture. An tÚdarás also supports a range of initiatives and collaborates with individuals, community groups and companies which embrace Irish and provide the everyday settings in which the language will flourish.