Ireland’s push to expand Irish-language opportunities has taken a major step forward with the launch of plans for a redeveloped Saoloibre.ie. Announced via gov.ie, the project is designed to connect students, families, teachers and jobseekers with clearer pathways into Irish-language education and employment.
The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht has approved €686,340 in funding over four years for CareersPortal to transform the existing Saoloibre.ie site into a modern national career guidance platform through Irish. The initiative is being delivered in partnership with An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG), with the Department providing 75% of the funding and COGG contributing the remaining 25%.
Irish language careers get a dedicated national platform
The upgraded Saoloibre.ie will focus on Irish language careers by giving users a central online resource for career guidance, education routes and employment opportunities available through Irish. A dedicated section will also spotlight Irish-medium education options and career pathways where language skills are an advantage.
This development supports broader government policy aimed at strengthening bilingual public services and increasing the number of Irish-speaking professionals across the State. It also aligns with the Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026-2028, which calls for better information, supports and awareness around careers for those competent in Irish.
- National online career guidance through Irish
- Dedicated information on Irish-language education and jobs
- Support for students, parents, teachers and career guidance professionals
- Greater visibility for public sector and private sector opportunities
Why the new Saoloibre.ie matters
With CareersPortal already attracting more than two million visitors annually, the revamped platform has the potential to significantly raise awareness of Irish language careers. It is expected to help young people see Irish not just as a school subject, but as a practical skill that can open doors in education, the public sector and wider employment.
The move also complements wider national efforts involving bodies and departments across Ireland, from the Department of the Taoiseach and Education to Social Protection, Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Justice and Health. For users searching official services on gov.ie, the Revenue Commissioners, Health Service Executive (HSE) or An Garda Síochána, the long-term goal is a stronger bilingual public service staffed by more Irish-competent workers.
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How the project supports Ireland’s public service goals
One of the most important targets behind the initiative is the government’s aim that 20% of recruits to public bodies will be competent in Irish by the end of 2030. That objective touches many organisations, including the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), National Transport Authority (NTA), Local Government bodies, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Tusla and the Citizens Information Board.
By making career and course information easier to find in Irish, Saoloibre.ie should help:
- Students identify study options through Irish
- Teachers guide learners towards Irish-speaking professions
- Jobseekers discover vacancies where Irish is valuable
- Public bodies build stronger language capacity over time
What leaders said about the initiative
Minister Dara Calleary described the investment as a direct response to commitments in the current Irish language public services action plan. COGG said the platform will strengthen access to up-to-date guidance for learners, families and educators. CareersPortal also highlighted the site’s role as a one-stop destination for people exploring how to study or work through Irish.
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What happens next for Irish language careers
The redevelopment of Saoloibre.ie signals a practical shift in how Irish language careers are presented to the public. Rather than limiting Irish to policy goals alone, the new platform is set to show real-world opportunities across education, work and public service. For anyone interested in using Irish beyond the classroom, this is a notable and timely development.
As Ireland continues investing in bilingual services, Irish language careers are likely to become more visible, more accessible and more relevant to future job markets. Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
