Údarás na Gaeltachta provides an attractive financial package for new and expanding businesses. This includes grants for:

• employment
• new equipment and buildings
• training.

An tÚdarás assists prospective investors through all stages of start-up, from location identification to help with recruitment, training and legal requirements. An tÚdarás also has available a portfolio of modern industrial buildings and sites.

Employment Grants

Employment grants is just one form of financial assistance made available to new and expanding businesses by Udaras na Gaeltachta.

Levels of financial assistance are negotiable, depending on location, skill levels and employment potential.

Financial assistance towards technological advancement includes

• Feasibility Study Grants payable up to 50% of costs incurred during investigation stage
• Research and development grants
• Licensing grants available
• Joint Ventures incentives available

Non-Financial incentives include

• Accomodation: Ready to occupy factories and offices on individual sites and within industrial parks are available. Assistance available for custom built accomodation also
• Advice:  assistance availablt in negotiations with financial institutions and preparation for financial projections
• Recruitment and training:  help available in selection, recruitment and training of staff.  Assistance available in management training for small companies
• Start-Up guidance:  available through esperienced Údarás executives.  Legal advice and guidance also available.

How to qualify for assistance

Projects in manufacturing, internationally-traded services (such as software development and telemarketing/servicing) and natural resources such as mariculture are the priority for assistance from Údarás na Gaeltachta.

The amount of grant or subsidy will take into account the number and quality of jobs to be provided. Higher quality jobs get more assistance. The cost-per-job to the State must be at an acceptable level for the type of industry concerned.

When to Apply

Applications for all grants must be made and approval must be obtained in writing from Údarás na Gaeltachta before starting the relevant project (or any part of it) for which a grant may be requested.

A detailed business plan must be submitted for assessment. A detailed checklist of the information required in the business plan is available from Údarás na Gaeltachta.