More than 600 people are now employed by Údarás to support community projects throughout the Galway/Mayo Gaeltacht.
The figure has been revealed at a meeting of supervisors from the western social employment schemes held in the Údarás regional office in Furbo.
Among the schemes being run are the TÚS Scheme, the Community Employment Scheme, and the Rural Social Scheme, which are funded by the Department of Social Protection.
18 million euro was spent in the Galway/Mayo region in 2024 while a dedicated team of 1,000 throughout the country is developing and improving community and sports facilities, landscapes, and preserving heritage sites.
Kevin Ó hEadhra, Regional Employment Schemes Executive for the Connacht/Leinster Region says the schemes are central to the Gaeltacht community with work on football pitches, cemeteries, in charity shops and elderly care and meals on wheels.
In addition, the schemes play a major role in the maintenance and development of walking routes throughout the Gaeltacht such as Ceantar na nOileán, the Bealach Glas i Maigh Eo and support for all western Gaeltacht GAA clubs.
