Upgrade Grant for Established Households under Irish Language Learners Scheme announced by Minister Dara Calleary, T.D.
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From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 13 October 2025
- Last updated on: 13 October 2025
Today (Monday, 13 October) the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced that a short-term Irish Language Learners Scheme Upgrade Grant scheme would be available to established households who provide accommodation for learners under the scheme.
Under this scheme, a grant of up to €2,000 or 80% of the total costs, whichever is less, will be made available to households who were recognised under the Irish Language Learners Scheme prior to 2019 to support the cost of purchasing new furniture (bunk beds, single beds and single mattresses).
This support follows an increase of €1.50 announced in August in the scheme's nightly subsidy payable to households. The nightly subsidy has been increased from €13 to €14.50 per student for households and from €9.50 to €10.50 for boarding-style accommodation providers.
The overall objective of this announced measure is to support the Irish language and the Gaeltacht in accordance with the objectives of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030. Eligible households can download an application form from the Department's website to complete at this link, where a document with frequently asked questions about the scheme is also available.
Minister Calleary said:
“The Irish Language Learners Scheme is of particular importance to the Gaeltacht economy and is the oldest scheme administered by my Department. The Government Programme 2025: Securing Ireland’s Future includes a commitment to ‘Maintain and where possible enhance support for Mná Tí at Gaeltacht summer colleges’. The households who provide accommodation are the backbone of the scheme. In recognition of this, I am pleased to provide this additional support to households who have been providing accommodation for a number of years.”
Applications will be accepted via e-mail only at teaghlaighsfg@drcdg.gov.ie from 13/10/2025 until the 07/11/2025.