Gaeilge365 began with a simple proposition: what if innovation as Gaeilge sat at the heart of how public services are designed and delivered? That idea has now been recognised nationally, with the programme—led by the four Dublin local authorities in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht—taking the Best Innovation Project At Scale In Public Services title.

Across Dublin, the initiative is already being felt in communities, as Gaeilge365 converts creative concepts into practical, year-round opportunities for people to use Irish in everyday life.

Presented by the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, Jack Chambers TD, at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, the Better Public Services Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and civic impact across the Irish public sector. This year, thirty-six teams were shortlisted across twelve categories.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister Chambers said: "The winning projects see digital transforming how people engage with the State, data improving decisions and outcomes, and services designed around real user needs. We see innovation not just tested, but scaled and a clear commitment to inclusion and sustainability."

Gaeilge365 was commended for a progressive and creative approach to public service delivery—reimagining how local government connects trí Ghaeilge with increasingly bi-lingual communities to strengthen the impact of services. Dáithí de Buitléir, Programme Manager of Gaeilge365, said: "Gaeilge365 is the Irish language innovation programme serving all four Dublin local authorities. Our mission is to unlock the full potential of Gaeilge for Dublin while creating and expanding opportunities for people of all Irish-language abilities to use and enjoy Gaeilge in their everyday lives. We are working to create 150,000 Irish-speaking opportunities across Dublin by 2028.

Over the past year, we have delivered a range of innovative initiatives designed to make Irish more visible, accessible and enjoyable. These include Binsí Comhrá, which tackles urban isolation by connecting people around this shared interest in Gaeilge on public benches; and youth programmes such as Foraois and Snámh le Spraoi, which are building communities of young Irish speakers who use Irish as an everyday language of sport, arts and friendship."

By bringing together communities, cultural organisations, schools and local services, the programme is demonstrating how innovation can reinforce language use, foster social connection and create meaningful ways for people to engage with Irish in daily life.

The award highlights both the programme's achievements to date and its potential to shape the future of Irish-language promotion within the public sector, offering tangible examples of the bi-lingual public services of tomorrow. Building on this success, Gaeilge365 will continue to develop innovative programmes and partnerships to support the growth of Irish-language communities across Dublin.