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| Abbreviation | ÚnaG |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1 January 1980 |
| Founder | IDA Ireland |
| Type | Industrial development Irish language |
| Headquarters | Furbo, County Galway,Ireland |
| Location | |
Region | Gaeltacht |
Cathaoirleach | Anna Ní Ghallachair |
| Website | Official website |
Údarás na Gaeltachta (Irish pronunciation:[ˈuːd̪ˠəɾˠaːsˠn̪ˠəˈɡeːl̪ˠt̪ˠəxt̪ˠə]; meaning "Gaeltacht Authority"), abbreviatedUnaG, is a regional state agency which is responsible for theeconomic,social andcultural development ofIrish-speaking (Gaeltacht) regions ofIreland. 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. It gives funding to small local businesses that have to compete with foreign companies.[1]
It was established in 1980 under the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979,[2] superseding its predecessorGaeltarra Éireann which had been established in 1958 under the Gaeltacht Industries Act 1957.
It has a strong role in attracting enterprise into Gaeltacht areas, many of which are isolated and economically disadvantaged. TheEuropean Union grant-aid is often provided to indigenousstartup companies. They are also involved in the setting up ofcommunity co-operatives and employment schemes.
Údarás na Gaeltachta has a 12-member board. In accordance with the Údarás na Gaeltachta Act 1979, as amended by theGaeltacht Act 2012, the Minister with responsibility for the Gaeltacht appoints the board members for a period not exceeding five years, five of these on the nomination of county councils from counties which include Gaeltacht areas.
The head office of Údarás na Gaeltachta is inFurbo, County Galway, with regional offices inDerrybeg, County Donegal,Belmullet County Mayo,Dingle, County Kerry andBallymakeera, County Cork. The current chairperson isAnna Ní Ghallachair fromArranmore, County Donegal.
From 1979 to 2012, some members of the board were elected by popular vote of Gaeltacht residents. Thesesingle transferable vote constituencies were as follows:
| Gaeltacht area | 1979[3] | 1999[4] |
|---|---|---|
| Donegal | 2 | 4 |
| Galway | 3 | 6 |
| Mayo | 2 | |
| Meath | 1 | |
| Kerry | 2 | 2 |
| Cork | 1 | |
| Waterford | 1 | |
| (Appointed) | 6 | 3 |
| (Total) | 13 | 20 |
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)| International | |
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| National | |
| Other | |
