Údarás na Gaeltachta
Employment Grant
Enterprises embarking on an initial investment project or a business expansion may apply for the Employment Grant to help meet the cost of employing additional staff on a full-time or part-time basis, calculated by reference to expected salary costs over the first two years of jobs created. The grant rate depends on the geographic location and size of the project and on the employee's gross salary, up to a maximum grant of €15,000 per job.
- Grant range
- Up to €15,000
- Funding level
- Rate varies
- Support type
- Grant
- Last checked
- 3 Sept 2026
About this scheme
The Employment Grant, part of Údarás na Gaeltachta's Employment & Training Supports, helps enterprises undertaking an initial investment or business expansion meet the cost of employing additional full-time or part-time staff. It is calculated by reference to the expected salary costs of new jobs over their first two years, with the rate depending on the project's geographic location and size, and the employee's gross salary; the maximum grant payable is €15,000 per job. Eligibility requires the business to be engaged in manufacturing or eligible internationally traded services and to employ qualifying staff; unusually among the schemes in this document, the grant may also be paid to sole traders. Payment is typically made in two instalments — 50% on commencement of the job and the balance once the job has been in place for six months (12 months for companies with 50 or more employees) — on receipt of a valid claim supported by documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and approved expenditure was paid.
Who can apply
- Business enterprises engaged in, or proposing to engage in, manufacturing or in eligible internationally traded services
- Must employ qualifying staff
- May be payable to sole traders
- Eligible cost: employee gross salary cost per annum
How to apply
- Contact the relevant Údarás na Gaeltachta regional office (Donegal, Mayo, Galway, Kerry, Cork, Waterford or Meath) for advice and support.
- Complete a grant application form, available at www.udaras.ie or from any regional office.
- Submit the completed application form to the appropriate regional office.
- If approved, financial support applies from the date of issue of the Letter of Acknowledgement of receipt of application; grant aid cannot be approved retrospectively for expenditure incurred before this date.
- As a condition of funding, implement a language plan to promote the use of Irish in the business.
- The grant is typically paid in two instalments: 50% on commencement of the job, and the balance once the job has existed for six months (12 months in a company with 50+ employees), on receipt of a valid claim with supporting documentation confirming that all grant conditions were met and approved expenditure was paid.