The population of the Gaeltacht is more than 86,000 according to the 1996 Census of Population and the total labour force is 28,500. The Gaeltacht areas are designated by Government order. Gaeltacht economic activities include agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, other natural resources, textiles, engineering, electronics, audio-visual activities and telecommunications.
Assistance is also available to companies that are undergoing or planning an expansion.
Eligibility for assistance is assessed on the basis of an economic analysis of your business plan. We will be happy to advise you. General financial assistance includes employment grants, capital grants, rent subsidy, interest subsidy and training grants. Financial assistance towards technological advancement includes feasibility study grants, research and development grants, grants towards licensing, and grants for joint ventures. These include support schemes for nursery schools, youth clubs, Irish language classes, in-company language promotional programmes, courses through Irish, literary competitions, festivals and many other activities.