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Press Releases • 630 new jobs created in 2017 • An increase in employment base for five consecutive years • A net increase of 155 full-time jobs in 2017 • 7,503 full-time jobs in client companies at the end of the year • 25 new businesses created with 57 people employed in 2017 • New projects approved to create an additional 471 jobs with investment of €28m • Approval of the first 3 Gaeltacht language plans & 5 other language plans finalised • Development of Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta (Gaeltacht Digital Network) underway • Organisation’s New Strategy 2018 – 2020 focused on the Irish language, Innovation & Employment 2017 Review 630 new full-time jobs were created in Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies in 2017. This culminated in a net increase of 155 jobs on the previous year, which means that there were 7,503 full-time and 606 part-time jobs in companies in receipt of support from Údarás at year end. There has been a steady increase on the employment base in the Gaeltacht for five consecutive years as Gaeltacht companies become increasingly stable. 2017 was an historic year in terms of language planning, where the Gaeltacht communities’ dedication and efforts bore fruit as the first three language plans were approved during the year. Five further language plans have been submitted to the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Employment in the Gaeltacht There was an increase in employment supported by Údarás na Gaeltachta in every Gaeltacht county in 2017. This is the first time since 1996 that there was in increase in every county in any one year. Employment in Gaeltacht areas has recovered somewhat but significant challenges lie ahead of certain areas as has been reported during the year. An tÚdarás has shown that certain progress can be achieved with small increases in budget and an tÚdarás believes that we have the appropriate strategies to make significant progress in coming years if the appropriate budgets are made available. Employment stability with marginal increases was evident in all counties except Donegal, where there was a significant increase of 103 jobs in 2017. Údarás na Gaeltachta has placed a particular focus on Donegal in recent years, due to the large number of jobs lost in the county in 2014 and, for the most part, the results of that investment are now evident in certain parts of the county. Over the past three years 242 additional people have been working in Údarás-supported jobs in the county and companies in the Donegal Gaeltacht are also currently recruiting. In general, it is a source of encouragement that the employment base in Gaeltacht companies is now at a consistent level and at its highest level since 2008. This is the fifth year in a row that the Gaeltacht employment base has increased, where there were four years of decline prior to that. During the year, 25 new companies were created in the Gaeltacht during the year; there was in excess of fifty people employed in these at the end of the year. This year’s figures show that the food & drink, services, medical device and traditional manufacturing sectors reflected the highest net increase in employment levels, although these sectors did not avoid some job losses. The highest net loss in employment levels was seen in the filming/television, fish farming/processing and data processing sectors. Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies have a significant economic impact on the Gaeltacht and the national economy. According to ABSEI research conducted in 2017, it is estimated that client- company total sales were in the region of €844m the previous year and that direct expenditure in the Irish economy was €425m. This reflects the fact that the state is getting good value for its investment in employment in the Gaeltacht. In addition, during the past year Údarás na Gaeltachta continued with a number of strategic investments in new infrastructural facilities which will upgrade some sections of our property portfolio to a standard which will help attract new projects and employment in the future. Údarás na Gaeltachta Chief Executive, Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, said, “We are very happy with the level of job creation this year in the context of our current resources and that we managed to double our net increase in employment since last year. It is a huge boost for us to see that our development strategies have been a success and therefore that we are achieving our employment targets. We will be implementing our new strategy over the next three years and we are very happy to add to the organisation’s positive results and consequently support the sustainable development of the Gaeltacht. We always welcome new businesses, both large and small, which will contribute to strengthening the employment base in rural Gaeltacht areas.” The Chief Executive also acknowledged the spirit and dedication of Gaeltacht communities: “Gaeltacht areas are at a critical juncture at the moment, where they have significant linguistic and socio-economic challenges to surmount. Údarás na Gaeltachta is satisfied that we have the appropriate strategies to ensure that the national economic recovery being referred to will be realised and with the proper resources we will facilitate Gaeltacht areas in growing, developing and flourishing as vibrant language communities. We will place a strong emphasis in the years ahead on developing the natural and human resources of the Gaeltacht for the benefit of the communities that we serve.” The Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Culture with responsibility for Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh TD, commented, “The results announced by Údarás na Gaeltachta today are very positive for the Gaeltacht. It is noteworthy and encouraging that results show a stable level of employment is emerging and that there are green shoots to be seen also with 25 new companies having commenced trading with the support of Údarás in 2017 and 57 jobs created in those businesses. I am certain that, with the appointment of the new board of Údarás recently that every effort will be made so that the ongoing progress Údarás is making will continue. The Gaeltacht communities and An tÚdarás must be applauded for the immense work undertaken by them in creating language plans for their communities in the past year. This work is very important in the context of the aims of the 20 year Strategy for the Irish language as it pertains to the Gaeltacht. I am very pleased that Údarás ensured in 2017 that the process was underway in each of the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas (LPA) and that it is consistently prioritised as appropriate.” Economic impact of Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies generate expenditure of €425 million, which flows directly into the national economy, on payroll, services and raw materials. In 2016, client companies had a payroll of €181 million, with an average salary of €41,000 per employee in companies with ten or more employees. Figures from ABSEI research conducted in 2017 show that Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies had aggregated total sales of €844 million the previous year. €502 million of sales consisted of exports, an export-sales ratio of 60%. It is significant that 20% of total sales are attributed to the Food & Drinks industry and that 40% of medical products are exported to Asia. 471 new jobs approved for the Gaeltacht in 2017 Last year, Údarás na Gaeltachta approved a series of new projects which will create 471 jobs, in which an estimated total of €28 million will be invested as they are developed over the next few years. The majority of job approvals during 2017 were for projects in Counties Galway, Donegal and Cork, with significant approvals for Counties Kerry and Mayo also. Companies in the medical device, food, services and niche manufacturing sectors continue to grow and develop. Social Employment Schemes There was an increase of 72 in the number of participants on Social Employment Schemes in the Gaeltacht during 2017, with 1,048 participants and 50 supervisors employed throughout the Gaeltacht. In 2017 a total of 412 new participants were placed on these schemes and 340 participants completed their scheme period. Social employment schemes (Community Employment Scheme, Rural Social Scheme & TÚS Scheme), managed by An tÚdarás play an important role in providing work experience and training for the Gaeltacht community. Brexit Challenges and International Policies There is no escaping the fact that Brexit may well be one of the biggest challenges Gaeltacht companies will face in the years ahead. It is generally estimated, as details of the process become clearer, that this huge political change will affect every business and citizen on this island. The United Kingdom is generally the first port of call when a company begins exporting for the first time. According to this year’s updated ABSEI research, almost 30%, which is estimated at €147 million, of our client companies’ export sales go to both the United Kingdom and the European Union. There will be implications also for company running costs, as 60% of raw materials worth €227m, are imported. Údarás na Gaeltachta has carried out significant work individually and directly with the client companies who will be most affected by Brexit to ensure that they undertake strategic planning and to ensure that their business is as competitive and ‘lean’ as possible. Údarás na Gaeltachta is cooperating with other State agencies as part of a coordinated response to international affairs in 2018 and will continue to administer our Brexit support and consultancy scheme, ‘Bí Réidh’, for our client companies. The majority of exports by Údarás client companies to the UK are in Wood/Timber products, which account for 23%, paper 16%, basic & fabricated metal 13%, and food/drink 12%. The biggest exports to the European Union are products in the marine, food/drink, computer products and medical device sectors. Údarás na Gaeltachta client companies have significant sales (25% of export sales) in North America also and these will be monitored closely to assess the effects of any political or policy changes. Language Planning Activities Language planning activities were underway in each of the 26 Language Planning Areas (LPA) for the first time in 2017. Not only had 18 communities begun the language planning process at the beginning of the year, preparations began in five other LPAs and one Gaeltacht Service Town during the year. These were Cléire LPA, Maigh Eo Thiar LPA, Na Rosa LPA, Maigh Cuilinn LPA and An Ghaeltacht Lár LPA. A language plan was being prepared for Daingean Uí Chúis, which is listed as one of the 16 towns which may be recognised as a Gaeltacht Service Town when a language plan has been approved for those towns. A series of public meetings was held in the three LPAs surrounding Galway City, which were well attended, and applications were sought from lead organisations to prepare language plans for these areas. The applications have since been assessed and a recommendation will be submitted to the Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta shortly to allow for the next steps in the process to be taken. An historic event took place in Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair, when the Government Chief Whip and the Minister of State with responsibility for Gaeilge, the Gaeltacht and the Islands announced that the first three language plans, which had been prepared as part of the process, had now been approved. These language plans were for the Iar-Thuaisceart Dhún na nGall LPA, Cois Fharraige LPA and Cloich Cheann Fhaola LPA. Five other LPAs: Na Déise LPA, An Cheathrú Rua LPA, Dúiche Sheoigheach/Tuar Mhic Éadaigh LPA and Ciarraí Theas LPA were also submitted to the Department for approval during the year. All of these plans are expected to be approved in the first quarter of 2018. Due to the considerable progress made in the language planning process and an increasing number of plans reaching the implementation stage, budgetary provision increased for 2018. Údarás na Gaeltachta Chairperson, Anna Ní Ghallachair said, “The commitment shown by Gaeltacht communities in preparing language plans for the areas has given us a great sense of hope and encouragement, and this work is still ongoing in many areas. The most important step of the process will be taken in 2018, when the implementation of the plans begins in communities throughout the Gaeltacht. She added, “The sustainable development of the Gaeltacht, the Gaeltacht islands and the fostering and maintenance of vibrant Irish language communities is our main objective and focus, and this will guide the organisation in our policies and decisions over the next five years.” Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta (Gaeltacht Digital Network) Údarás na Gaeltachta opened Digital and Innovation Hubs in Gaoth Dobhair and Béal an Mhuirthead in 2017, and, in conjunction with other partners, a further digital hub opened in Daingean Uí Chúis. The hubs are part of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s strategy to establish Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta (Gaeltacht Digital Network) when hubs are developed in 30 locations throughout the Gaeltacht, including on seven Gaeltacht islands and six non-Gaeltacht islands to support the sustainability of these communities and off-shore islands. These hubs will include innovation units with office space with high speed internet access as well as an incubation hub and innovation facilities. Vision for 2020 Údarás na Gaeltachta’s strategy for the 2018 – 2020 period is based on two main principles: maintenance and development of the Irish language and the fostering of Innovation & Employment with a view to enabling Irish speakers to live in the Gaeltacht. These principles are at the core of the organisation’s strategy; every effort will be made to create the appropriate circumstances to assist in ensuring that the Irish language will be the main community language in the Gaeltacht, a place which will attract ordinary people, entrepreneurs and visitors to live and work there. Furthermore, resources for language, communities and culture will continue to be supported and developed, and innovation and enterprise will continue to be encouraged and fostered. We will focus on research programmes and projects to cultivate innovation and enterprise as drivers of the development programme. An tÚdarás believes that there are significant opportunities here for all the Gaeltacht areas so long as the appropriate resources are provided to implement its strategy in its entirety. Fóram Fiontraíochta Ghaoth Dobhair, which is heading towards completion, and the Interagency Taskforce for the Uíbh Ráthach Gaeltacht which is in its infancy, will focus on developing enterprise and increasing employment opportunities, while best utilising all of the available resources. Fóram Fiontraíochta Ghaeltacht na Mí (Enterprise Forum for the Meath Gaeltacht) was established at the end of 2017 to place a new focus on the enterprise development opportunities in this area and to utilise its proximity to Dublin. The Language Planning Process will continue and every possible support will be provided to the communities at various stages of the process in preparing language plans or implementing them in their areas. The language planning process will play a pivotal role at this critical juncture in the maintenance and development of the Irish language as the daily community language of the Gaeltacht. Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta (Gaeltacht Digital Network) is at the heart of the organisation’s strategy and will provide 30 innovation units with high speed broadband connectivity and provide new technology companies starting out or wishing to locate in the rural areas which encompass the Gaeltacht with many opportunities. These developments will give the Gaeltacht community an opportunity to return home and stay at home through remote working opportunities at offices or hot desks. As a result, the Diaspóra na Gaeltachta project will form a central part of Údarás na Gaeltachta’s strategy to encourage the emigrant Gaeltacht community abroad or in Ireland to return home to their families and communities and, thereby, bolster the Irish language. We will make them aware of the employment, living, social, language and cultural opportunities available in the Gaeltacht areas and provide them with any information, advice and support they may need when choosing to return home. The development of renewable energy projects, natural resources and enterprises based on natural resources are central to the organisation’s strategy. Planning work for Páirc na Mara, a marine innovation park in Cill Chiaráin in Conamara has begun and we look forward to bringing to fruition this strategic marine project which will include research and business activities. Údarás na Gaeltachta has mobilised other strategic partners to draw up plans on a cooperative basis to enable us to develop this modern marine innovation park to promote growth in the industry and to facilitate economic growth in the area, and, as a result, provide productive employment for future generations in this rural Gaeltacht area. It is envisaged that Páirc na Mara will be an important facilitator for the entire marine industry not only in Cill Chiaráin and Conamara but at a regional and national level also. Údarás na Gaeltachta’s stated ambition is ‘that the Gaeltacht is developed as a tourist destination, which is recognised internationally as a unique area where our natural resources, our language, culture, environment and heritage, are celebrated and developed.’ As a result, in early 2018 an tÚdarás will announce strategic tourism projects, which will be supported by the Tourism Management Development Scheme, an initiative to support the management development of strategic tourism projects, operational on a two-year, pilot basis. As has already been stated, Údarás na Gaeltachta’s main aim is to preserve and strengthen the Irish language by developing the Gaeltacht, and to inspire and strengthen indigenous, confident Gaeltacht communities. Údarás na Gaeltachta has strategic responsibilities and duties to the Gaeltacht and has adopted an integrated approach with regard to the development of the Gaeltacht. An tÚdarás is in a unique position to undertake a leading role in furthering the development and expansion of the Irish language as a community language and to drive the integrated economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht, commensurate with the resources at its disposal.
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Preas Ráiteas • 630 post nua cruthaithe in 2017 • Méadú ar an mbonn fostaíochta cúig bliana i ndiaidh a chéile • Glanmhéadú de 155 post lánaimseartha in 2017 • 7,503 post lánaimseartha i gcliantchomhlachtaí ag deireadh na bliana • 25 gnó nua tosaithe le 57 duine fostaithe iontu in 2017 • Tograí nua ceadaithe ina gcruthófar os cionn 471 post, le hinfheistíocht €28m • Na chéad 3 phlean teanga Gaeltachta ceadaithe & 5 phlean teanga eile réitithe • Tús curtha le forbairt Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta • Straitéis Nua na hEagraíochta 2018 – 2020 dírithe ar An Ghaeilge, Nuálaíocht & Fostaíocht Súil Siar ar 2017 Cruthaíodh 630 post nua lánaimseartha i gcliantchomhlachtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2017. Bhí glanmhéadú ann de 155 post ar an mbliain roimhe sin, rud a chiallaíonn go raibh 7,503 post lánaimseartha agus 606 post páirtaimseartha i gcomhlachtaí a fuair tacaíocht ón Údarás ag deireadh na bliana. Tá ardú leanúnach bliantúil tagtha ar an mbonn fostaíochta sa Ghaeltacht le cúig bhliana anuas agus comhlachtaí Gaeltachta ag cur lena seasmhacht. Bliain stairiúil ó thaobh na pleanála teanga a bhí in 2017, nuair a fíoraíodh dúthracht agus iarrachtaí na bpobal Gaeltachta le ceadú na gcéad trí phlean teanga agus tá cúig Phlean Teanga eile curtha faoi bhráid na Roinne Cultúir, Oidhreachta agus Gaeltachta ag an tráth seo. Fostaíocht sa Ghaeltacht Bhí ardú sa bhfostaíocht a dtacaíonn Údarás na Gaeltachta léi i ngach contae Gaeltachta in 2017. Is é seo an chéad uair ó 1996 a tharla sé go raibh ardú i ngach contae i mbliain amháin. Tá téarnamh áirithe le feiceáil i gcúrsaí fostaíochta i gceantair Ghaeltachta ach tá dúshláin shuntasacha fós le sárú i riar ceantar mar a rinneadh tuairisciú air i rith na bliana. Tá sé léirithe ag an Údarás an dul chun cinn maith gur féidir a bhaint amach ar mhéaduithe beaga buiséid agus creideann an tÚdarás go bhfuil na straitéisí cuí againn chun dul chun cinn suntasach a dhéanamh sna blianta beaga seo romhainn ach na buiséid chuí a bheith ar fáil. Seasmhacht fostaíochta le méaduithe beaga a bhí le feiceáil i ngach contae seachas Dún na nGall ina raibh méadú suntasach de 103 post in 2017. Tá fócas sonrach curtha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta ar Thír Chonaill le cúpla bliain anuas de bharr an líon ard post a cailleadh sa gcontae in 2014 agus den chuid is mó tá toradh na hinfheistíochta sin le brath anois in áiteanna éagsúla sa gcontae. Tá 242 post breise ar an talamh sa gcontae le trí bliana anuas agus comhlachtaí i nDún na nGall fós ag earcú daoine faoi láthair. Go ginearálta, is ábhar misnigh é go bhfuil an bonn fostaíochta i gcomhlachtaí Gaeltachta anois ag leibhéal seasmhach agus ag an leibhéal is airde ó 2008. Is é seo an cúigiú bliain as a chéile go bhfuil ardú tagtha ar an mbonn fostaíochta sa nGaeltacht, áit a raibh ceithre bliana de laghduithe roimhe sin. Thosaigh 25 gnó as an nua sa nGaeltacht le linn na bliana agus bhí os cionn leathchéad duine fostaithe sna gnóthaí sin ag deireadh na bliana. Is sna hearnálacha Bia & Dí, Seirbhísí, Déantúis Feistí Leighis agus Déantúsaíochta Traidisiúnta a léiríodh na méaduithe fostaíochta is mó i rith na bliana, cé nár sheachain na hearnálacha seo laghduithe sa bhfostaíocht ach oiread. Chonacthas na laghduithe is mó fostaíochta in earnáil na scannánaíochta/teilifíse, feirmeoireachta/próiseála éisc agus próiseála sonraí. Tá tionchar suntasach eacnamaíoch ag cliantchomhlachtaí an Údaráis ar gheilleagar na Gaeltachta agus na tíre. De réir taighde ABSEI a rinneadh in 2017, meastar go raibh díolachan iomlán de €844m á dhéanamh ag na cliantchomhlachtaí an bhliain roimhe sin chomh maith le caiteachas díreach de €425m i ngeilleagar na hÉireann. Léiríonn sé seo go bhfuil luach maith á fháil ar infheistíocht an Stáit i gcruthú fostaíochta sa nGaeltacht. Lean an tÚdarás le roinnt infheistíochtaí caipitil straitéiseacha in áiseanna infreastruchtúir i rith 2017 chun réimsí dár bpunann maoine a thabhairt chun caighdeán a chabhróidh le tograí agus fostaíocht nua a mhealladh amach anseo. Dúirt Príomhfheidhmeannach Údaras na Gaeltachta, Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, “Tá muid thar a bheith sásta leis an leibhéal post a cruthaíodh i mbliana i gcomhthéacs ár n-acmhainní reatha agus gur éirigh linn an glanmhéadú post a bhí againn mórán a dhúbailt ó anuraidh. Is mór an t-ugach dúinn é go bhfuil rath ar ár straitéis forbartha agus ár spriocanna fostaíochta á sárú againn. Beidh straitéis nua na heagraíochta á cur i bhfeidhm againn as seo go ceann trí bliana agus an-áthas orainn cur le dea-thorthaí na heagraíochta agus dá bhrí sin le forbairt inmharthana na Gaeltachta. Fáiltíonn muid i gcónaí roimh ghnóthaí nua, mór agus beag araon, agus cuirfidh a leithéid le bonn fiontraíochta láidir sna ceantair tuaithe Ghaeltachta.” Thagair an Príomhfheidhmeannach do spiorad agus dúthracht na bpobal Gaeltachta freisin “Tá na Gaeltachtaí ag tráth cinniúnach faoi láthair, áit a bhfuil dúshláin shuntasacha teanga agus socheacnamaíochta le sárú acu agus tá Údarás na Gaeltachta sásta go bhfuil na straitéisí cuí againn chun an tairbhe is fearr is féidir a bhaint as an téarnamh eacnamaíoch náisiúnta atá á thuar ach na hacmhainní cuí a bheith ar fáil chun ceadú do cheantair Ghaeltachta fás, forbairt agus bláthú mar phobail bhríomhara teanga. Beidh béim mhór againn sna blianta atá romhainn ar fhorbairt a dhéanamh ar acmhainní nádúrtha agus daonna na Gaeltachta ar fad chun tairbhe na bpobal ar a bhfuil muid ag freastal.” Dúirt Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus an tAire Stáit don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht agus do na hOileáin, Joe McHugh TD “Is scéal an dearfach don Ghaeltacht na torthaí atá fógartha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta inniu. Díol suntais agus dóchais é go bhfuil leibhéal fostaíochta seasmhach le sonrú sna torthaí agus go bhfuil borradh le sonrú ann – le 25 comhlacht nua tar éis dul i mbun gnó le cúnamh an Údaráis in 2017 agus 57 post cruthaithe dá réir. Le ceapadh bhord nua an Údaráis le gairid táim cinnte go mbeidh gach iarracht ar bun chun go leanfar leis an dul chun cinn atá á dhéanamh ag an Údarás i gcaitheamh an ama mar a bhaineann sé leis an gclár oibre atá idir lámha acu. Tréaslaím le pobail na Gaeltachta agus leis an Údarás as an obair mhór atá curtha i gcrích acu maidir leis an phróiseas pleanála teanga sa bhliain atá caite. Is obair fíor-thábhachtach í seo i gcomhthéacs aidhmeanna na Straitéise 20 Bliain don Ghaeilge mar a bhaineann sí leis an Ghaeltacht. Tá lúcháir orm gur éirigh leis an Údarás a chinntiú in 2017 go bhfuil an próiseas idir lámha i ngach ceann den 26 Limistéar Pleanála Teanga Gaeltachta (LPT) agus go bhfuil tosaíocht chuí tugtha dó i gcaitheamh na huaire.” Tionchar eacnamaíoch chliantchomhlachtaí an Údaráis Déanann cliantchomhlachtaí an Údaráis €425 milliún de chaiteachas díreach i ngeilleagar na tíre seo ar phárolla, ar sheirbhísí agus ar cheannach ábhar. D’íoc na cliantchomhlachtaí párolla €181 milliún, le €41,000 mar mheánphá an fhostaí sna comhlachtaí a bhfuil deichniúr nó níos mó fostaithe iontu, in 2016. Tagann na figiúirí seo ó thaighde ABSEI a rinneadh in 2017, a léirigh go raibh díolachán iomlán €844 milliún ag cliantchomhlachtaí an Údaráis an bhliain roimhe sin. Cúrsaí easpórtála atá i gceist le €502 milliún den díolachán, sin cóimheas 60% idir easpórtáil agus díolachán. Tá sé suntasach gur san earnáil Bia & Dí is mó a dhéantar díolachán, le 20% den iomlán, agus go gcuirtear 40% de dhíolacháin Táirgí Leighis go dtí an Áis. 471 post nua ceadaithe don Ghaeltacht in 2017 Cheadaigh Bord Údarás na Gaeltachta líon tograí nua ina gcruthófar 471 post agus ina ndéanfar infheistíocht iomlán mheasta de €28 milliún, de réir mar a dhéantar forbairt orthu sna cúpla bliain amach romhainn. Is do thograí i gContaetha na Gaillimhe, Dhún na nGall agus Chorcaí is mó a ceadaíodh poist i rith 2017, le ceadanna suntasacha i gContaetha Chiarraí agus Mhaigh Eo chomh maith. Tá sé le tabhairt faoi deara gur comhlachtaí sna hearnálacha feistí leighis, bia, seirbhísí agus saindéantúsaíochta atá ag dul i mbun fáis agus forbartha. Scéimeanna Sóisialta Fostaíochta Bhí ardú de 72 duine ar líon na rannpháirtithe ar Scéimeanna Sóisialta Fostaíochta sa nGaeltacht i rith 2017, le 1,048 rannpháirtí agus 50 saoiste fostaithe ar fud na Gaeltachta. Thosaigh 412 rannpháirtí nua ar na scéimeanna in 2017 agus chríochnaigh 340 rannpháirtí a dtréimhsí ar scéimeanna. Tá ról agus tionchar tábhachtach ag na scéimeanna fostaíochta sóisialta (Scéim Fostaíochta Pobail, Scéim Shóisialta Tuaithe & Scéim TÚS), atá á mbainistiú ag an Údarás, ag cur taithí oibre agus oiliúint ar fáil do phobal na Gaeltachta. Dúshláin an Bhreatimeachta agus polasaithe idirnáisiúnta Ní féidir a shéanadh ach go bhféadfaí gurb é an Breatimeacht ceann de na dushláin is mó a bheidh le sárú ag comhlachtaí Gaeltachta sna blianta atá romhainn. Meastar go ginearálta agus sonraí á soiléiriú de réir a chéile go mbeidh tionchar éigin ag an mórathrú polaitiúil seo ar gach gnó agus saoránach ar an oileán seo. De ghnáth, is é margadh na Ríochta Aontaithe an chéad chéim easpórtála d’aon chomhlacht a bheadh ag dul i mbun easpórtála don chéad uair. De réir taighde uasdátaithe ABSEI na bliana seo, tá beagnach 30% de dhíolachán easpórtála ár gcliantchomhlachtaí, a bhfuil luach €147 milliún air, á dhéanamh sa Ríocht Aontaithe agus san Aontas Eorpach araon. Tá impleachtaí anseo do chostais reatha na gcomhlachtaí, le suas le 60% de bhunábhar na gcliantchomhlachtaí á iompórtáil ar luach €227m. Tá go leor oibre curtha i gcrích ag Údarás na Gaeltachta as féin agus go díreach leis na cliantchomhlachtaí is mó a mbeidh tionchar ag an mBreatimeacht orthu lena chinntiú go bhfuil siad ag pleanáil go straitéiseach agus go bhfuil a ngnó chomh hiomaíoch agus barainneach agus is féidir. Tá an tÚdarás ag comhoibriú le gníomhaireachtaí Stáit eile i gcur chuige comhordaithe maidir le gnóthaí idirnáisiúnta in 2018 agus leanfar leis an scéim tacaíochta & comhairleoireachta ‘Bí Réidh’, atá á riaradh ag an Údarás dá chliantchomhlachtaí. Is in Earraí Adhmaid (23%), Páipéar (16%), Miotal Bunúsach & Déanta (13%), agus Bia/Deoch (12%), atá formhór na heaspórtála chuig an Ríocht Aontaithe á déanamh ag cliantchomhlachtaí an Údaráis agus is Earraí Mara, Bia/Deoch, Ábhair Ríomhairí agus Fearais Leighis is mó atá á n-easpórtáil chun an Aontais Eorpaigh. Déanann cliantchomhlachtaí an Údaráis díolachán suntasach (25% de dhíolachán easpórtála) i Meiriceá Thuaidh chomh maith ar chóir a bheith airdeallach faoi agus an tionchar a bheadh ag aon athruithe polaitiúla agus polasaithe air á mheas. Gníomhaíochtaí Pleanála Teanga Bhí gníomhaíochtaí pleanála teanga ar siúl i ngach ceann de na 26 Limistéar Pleanála Teanga (LPT) don chéad uair i rith 2017. Le cois na 18 bpobal a bhí i mbun na pleanála teanga ag tús na bliana, cuireadh tús le próiseas ullmhúcháin pleananna in cúig LPT agus in aon Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta amháin i rith na bliana. Sin iad LPT Chléire, LPT Mhaigh Eo Thiar, LPT Na Rosann, LPT Mhaigh Cuilinn agus LPT Na Gaeltachta Láir. Cuireadh tús le próiseas ullmhúcháin plean teanga do Dhaingean Uí Chúis, atá liostaithe mar cheann de na 16 bhaile a d’fhéadfadh aitheantas a bhaint amach mar Bhaile Seirbhíse Gaeltachta ach plean teanga a bheith aontaithe do na bailte sin. Eagraíodh sraith cruinnithe poiblí sna trí LPT atá timpeall ar Chathair na Gaillimhe, ar ar fhreastail líon mór daoine orthu, agus rinneadh fógra maidir leis na ceantair sin ag cur fáilte roimh iarratais ó cheanneagraíochtaí chun tabhairt faoi phleananna teanga a réiteach do na trí LPT. Tá meastóireacht ar na hiarratais sin curtha i gcrích agus cuirfear moladh faoi bhráid Bhord an Údaráis go gairid chun cead a fháil bogadh ar aghaidh go dtí an chéad chéim eile den phróiseas. Tionóladh ócáid stairiúil in Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair i rith na bliana, áit ar fhógair Príomh-Aoire an Rialtais agus an tAire Stáit don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht agus do na hOileáin, Joe Mc Hugh, TD, go raibh na chéad trí phlean teanga a réitíodh faoin bpróiseas ceadaithe. Is iad sin pleananna teanga do LPT Iar-Thuaisceart Dhún na nGall, LPT Chois Fharraige agus LPT Chloich Cheann Fhaola. Cuireadh cúig Phlean Teanga eile: LPT Na nDéise, LPT Mhúscraí, LPT Na Ceathrún Rua, LPT Dhúiche Sheoigheach/Thuar Mhic Éadaigh agus LPT Chiarraí Theas faoi bhráid na Roinne i rith na bliana. Táthar ag súil go gceadófar na pleananna seo ar fad sa chéad ráithe de 2018. I bhfianaise an dul chun cinn suntasach atá á dhéanamh i réiteach pleananna teanga cuireadh in iúl don eagraíocht go raibh méadú ag teacht ar bhuiséad pleanála teanga an Údaráis chun tús a chuir le feidhmiú na bpleananna teanga. Dúirt Cathaoirleach an Údaráis, Anna Ní Ghallachair, “Is cúis dóchais agus spreagadh dúinn ar fad an dúthracht atá caite ag pobail na Gaeltachta le réiteach pleananna teanga dá gceantar, obair atá fós ag leanúint ar aghaidh i gcuid mhaith limistéar. Is in 2018 a shroichfear an chéim is dúshlánaí den phróiseas, is é sin feidhmiú na bpleananna in sna pobail agus ag cur dlús le céimeanna a chuideoidh lena chinntiú gurb í an Ghaeilge a bheidh mar ghnáththeanga phobail ar fud na Gaeltachta sna blianta atá amach romhainn.” Lena chois sin, dúirt sí, “Tá forbairt inmharthana na Gaeltachta, na n-oileán Gaeltachta agus dá réir sin cothú pobail bhríomhair teanga mar phríomhchuspóir agus fócas ag Údarás na Gaeltachta agus beidh sé seo mar threoir againn maidir lenár bpolasaithe agus ár gcinntí ar fad sna cúig bhliana atá amach romhainn.” Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta D’oscail Údarás na Gaeltachta Moil Dhigiteacha agus Nuálaíochta i nGaoth Dobhair agus i mBéal an Mhuirthead i rith 2017 chomh maith le mol digiteach i gcomhar le páirtithe eile i nDaingean Uí Chúis. Tá na moil mar chuid de straitéis an Údaráis Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta a bhunú. Beidh Moil Dhigiteacha á bhforbairt i 30 ionad ar fud na Gaeltachta, san áireamh seacht n-oileán Gaeltachta agus sé oileán Galltachta chun tacú le inmharthanacht na bpobal. Aonaid nuálaíochta ag cur spás oifige le ceangal idirlín d’ardchaighdeán chomh maith le háiseanna gorlann gnó agus nuálaíochta a bheidh i gceist. Dearcadh i dtreo 2020 Tá dhá bhunphrionsabal i straitéis an Údaráis don tréimhse trí bliana 2018 – 2020: Caomhnú agus neartú na Gaeilge agus forbairt Nuálaíochta agus cruthú Fostaíochta. Is iad na prionsabail seo croílár straitéis na heagraíochta. Déanfar gach iarracht na cúinsí cuí a chruthú, ionas go mbeidh an Ghaeltacht mar áit ina mbeidh an Ghaeilge mar phríomhtheanga phobail ann agus áit a mheallfaidh an gnáthphobal, fiontraithe agus cuairteoirí araon chun cónaí, maireachtáil agus oibriú ann. Chuige sin caithfear tacú le hacmhainní teanga, pobail agus cultúrtha agus forbairt á dhéanamh orthu, nuálaíocht a chothú agus fiontraíocht a mhéadú. Díreofar ar chláir agus tionscadail taighde chun an nuálaíocht agus an fhiontraíocht a chothú mar chodanna dílse den chlár forbartha. Creideann an tÚdarás go bhfuil deiseanna suntasacha anseo do na ceantair Ghaeltachta ar fad, ach na hacmhainní cuí a bheith ar fáil chun an straitéis a chur i bhfeidhm ina iomláine. Díreoidh Fóram Fiontraíochta Ghaoth Dobhair, atá ag teacht chun críche, agus Tascfhórsa Idirghníomhaireachta Uíbh Ráthaigh atá ina thús, ar fhorbairt na fiontraíochta agus deiseanna fostaíochta a mhéadú agus an leas is fearr a bhaint as na hacmhainní ar fad atá sna ceantair sin. Bunaíodh Fóram Fiontraíochta Ghaeltacht na Mí ag deireadh 2017 chun fócas nua a chur ar na deiseanna forbartha fiontraíochta atá sa gceantar seo agus leas a bhaint as a ngaireacht do Bhaile Átha Cliath. Leanfar le feidhmiú an Phróisis Pleanála Teanga le dúthracht agus cuirfear gach tacaíocht gur féidir ar fáil do na pobail a bheidh ag staideanna éagsúla den phróiseas le Pleananna Teanga a réiteach nó a fheidhmiú ina gceantar. Is tréimhse fíorthábhachtach í seo, ní don phleanáil teanga amháin ach don Ghaeilge mar ghnáththeanga laethúil na bpobal Gaeltachta. Beidh ról fíorthábhachtach i straitéis na heagraíochta ag Gréasán Digiteach na Gaeltachta a bheidh ag soláthar 30 aonad nuálaíochta le ceangal leathanbhanda ardluais a thabharfaidh deis do chomhlachtaí nua teicneolaíochta tosú amach nó lonnú sna ceantair tuaithe a chuimsíonn na Gaeltachtaí. Tabharfaidh na forbairtí seo deis do phobal na Gaeltachta filleadh uirthi nó fanacht ina gceantar féin trí dheiseanna cianoibre ag oifigí nó deasca sealaíochta sna moil chéanna. Dá bhrí sin, beidh togra Diaspóra na Gaeltachta ina ghné shuntasach de straitéis an Údaráis chun pobal na Gaeltachta atá ar imirce thar lear nó atá scaipthe ar fud na tíre a mhealladh ar ais chun na Gaeltachta, le pobail bhríomhara teanga agus cultúir a chothú. Táthar ag súil gur féidir na deiseanna fostaíochta, maireachtála, sóisialta, teanga agus cultúir atá ar fáil sna ceantair Ghaeltachta a chur ar a súile dóibh chomh maith le gach eolas, comhairle agus tacaíocht gur féidir a chur ar fáil dóibh ar an rogha aistriú abhaile. Tá forbairt tograí fuinnimh inathnuaite, acmhainní nádúrtha agus fiontair atá bunaithe ar acmhainní nádúrtha lárnach i straitéis na heagraíochta. Tá an obair phleanála do Pháirc na Mara, páirc nuálaíochta mara i gCill Chiaráin i gConamara tosaithe agus táimid ag tabhairt aghaidh go fonnmhar ar an togra straitéiseach mara seo, áit a mbeidh gníomhaíocht taighde agus tráchtála araon ann. Tá Údarás na Gaeltachta tar éis páirtithe straitéiseacha a thabhairt le chéile chun pleananna a chur i dtoll a chéile ar bhun comhoibríoch, a chuirfidh ar chumas Údarás na Gaeltachta páirc nuálaíochta muirí chomhaimseartha a fhorbairt, chun fás san earnáil a chur chun cinn agus chun fás eacnamaíoch sa gceantar a chumasú, agus dá réir sin, fostaíocht tháirgiúil a chur ar fáil do ghlúnta amach anseo sa gceantar Gaeltachta tuaithe seo. Samhlaítear go mbeidh forbairt Pháirc na Mara ina chumasóir tábhachtach i leith fhorbairt an tionscail mhuirí ina iomláine, ní amháin i gCill Chiaráin agus i gConamara ach ar leibhéal réigiúnach agus ar leibhéal náisiúnta freisin. Tá sé mar fhís ag an Údarás ‘go ndéanfar forbairt ar an nGaeltacht mar cheann scríbe turasóireachta atá aitheanta go hidirnáisiúnta mar cheantar uathúil ina ndéantar ceiliúradh agus forbairt ar acmhainn nádúrtha na teanga, an chultúir, na timpeallachta agus na hoidhreachta.’ Chuige sin, go luath in 2018 fógróidh an tÚdarás na tograí straitéiseacha turasóireachta a gheobhaidh tacaíocht tríd an Scéim Forbartha Bainistíochta Turasóireachta, tionscnamh chun tacú le forbairt bainistíochta i dtograí straitéiseacha turasóireachta, a fheidhmeoidh ar bhun píolótach ar feadh tréimhse dhá bhliain. Is í aidhm Údarás na Gaeltachta ná an Ghaeilge a chaomhnú agus a neartú tríd is tríd ó thaobh fhorbairt na Gaeltachta de agus pobail Ghaeltachta fhéinmhuiníneacha, inbhuanaithe a spreagadh agus a neartú. Tá freagrachtaí agus dualgais straitéiseacha ar Údarás na Gaeltachta don Ghaeltacht agus tá cur chuige comhtháite aige i leith fhorbairt na Gaeltachta. Tá an tÚdarás in áit uathúil le ról ceannaireachta a ghlacadh i bhforbairt agus i leathnú na Gaeilge mar theanga phobail agus i bhforbairt chomhtháite eacnamaíochta, shóisialta agus chultúrtha na Gaeltachta de réir na n-acmhainní a chuirtear ar fáil dó.