From:Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, today (Monday, 20 July 2026) announced the approval of a grant of €686,340 over four years for CareersPortal to revamp the current Saoloibre.ie platform and redevelop it as a modern, up-to-date national career guidance platform through the Irish language.

Irish language education and career opportunities will also be highlighted, with a specific zone dedicated to these opportunities.

This measure is part of a wider series of awareness actions being taken to ensure that people who wish to use or develop their Irish language skills are aware of the many different opportunities and ways available to them to do so.

This measure will also support the Government's target of 20% of those recruited to public bodies being competent in Irish by the end of 2030 in relation to the move towards a bilingual public service.

This project is being progressed in partnership with COGG - An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta, with 75% of the funding to come from the Department and 25% to come from COGG.

Announcing this funding, Minister Dara Calleary said:

“I am delighted that my Department is able to support this project as it directly responds to actions contained within the Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026-2028.

“With over two million visitors to the Careersportal website each year, we now have a great opportunity to highlight all the modern and attractive opportunities available with Irish to the wider public, both in education and employment. It will ensure that young people, career guidance teachers and others who are interested are aware of the different ways in which they can maintain contact with the language after school and indeed the added advantage of Irish language skills.

“I would like to thank COGG for their support in providing 25% funding for the project over the next four years, and CareersPortal for its proactive approach in supporting the State’s vision for the language.”

COGG Chief Executive, Jacqueline Ní Fhearghusa, said:

“This project contributes significantly to COGG’s mission to support the development and promotion of Irish-medium education. It is vital that learners, teachers and families have access to comprehensive, up-to-date information on career and educational opportunities through Irish.

“Through this partnership with CareersPortal and the Department, we will be able to provide a strong, innovative platform that will support students to explore their options and achieve their career goals through the medium of the language. We believe that this initiative will help to raise awareness of the opportunities available and to boost the use of Irish as a living language in both the world of education and work.”

CareersPortal Director, Eimear Sinnott, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the Department and COGG on the redevelopment of this groundbreaking new resource. For over twenty years, CareersPortal has been providing resources and guidance tools, ensuring equal access and opportunity for all at every stage of the lifelong journey. This dedicated Irish language resource is a significant asset, enabling people to identify careers where they can utilise their Irish language skills. SaolOibre.ie will act as a one-stop resource, providing information and inspiration to those considering studying or working through Irish.

“This innovative platform will be a model for providing career information. It will also be a great support for those conducting research and identifying educational pathways and career opportunities where they can use Irish.”

A copy of theAction Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026-2028 (PG3)can be found here –GA/EN

A copy of theNational Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2024-2030, along with information about the plan, can be found here –GA/EN

Information about theOfficial Languages ​​Act, 2003in general can be found here –GA/EN

Recent announcements about the Actcan be found here –GA/EN

Additional resources and supports, which provide guidance and information on professions, courses, pathways, scholarships and vacancies available for those with competency in Irish, will be developed, or further developed, for use by career guidance teachers, educators, students and those interested in a career in the public sector.

Largescale national and local awareness campaigns will be run to highlight Irish language employment opportunities in the public sector. Public bodies will coordinate with DRCDG on these as appropriate.