Údarás na Gaeltachta
Údarás na Gaeltachta (Irish pronunciation: [uːd̪ˠəɾˠaːs nə ˈɡeːl̪ˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠə], meaning "Gaeltacht Authority"; abbreviated ÚnaG), is a regional state agency which is responsible for the economic, social and cultural development of nominally Irish-speaking (Gaeltacht) regions of Ireland. Its stated purpose is to strengthen the Gaeltacht communities, to increase the quality of life of its community members and facilitate the preservation and extension of the Irish language as the principal language of the region.
Údarás na Gaeltachta has a 12 member board. In accordance with the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act, 1979, as amended by the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht appoints the board members for a period not exceeding five years, five of them on the nomination of county councils from counties which include Gaeltacht areas.
It was originally established in 1980 under the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act, 1979,[1] superseding its predecessor Gaeltarra Éireann which had been established in 1957 under the Gaeltacht Industries Act of the same year.
It has a strong role in attracting enterprise into Gaeltacht areas, many of which are isolated and economically disadvantaged. The European Union grant-aid is often provided to indigenous startup companies. They are also involved in the setting up of community co-operatives and employment schemes.
The current chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta is Anna Ní Ghallachair from Árainn Mór, Co. Donegal.
The head office of the Údarás is in Furbo, County Galway, with regional offices in Dingle, County Kerry; Ballymakeera, County Cork; Derrybeg, County Donegal; and Belmullet, County Mayo.