A major upgrade of Saoloibre.ie will create a modern national careers guidance platform delivered through Irish, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced on Monday, 20 July 2026. CareersPortal has been approved funding of €686,340 over four years to redesign and relaunch the site.

The renewed platform will feature a dedicated zone highlighting Irish-language education and employment routes. The initiative is part of a wider awareness drive under the Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026–2028 and supports the Government's aim that 20% of new recruits to public bodies will be competent in Irish by the end of 2030.

The project is a partnership between the Department and COGG – An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta – with 75% of funding provided by the Department and 25% by COGG.

Announcing the funding, Minister Dara Calleary said: "I am delighted that my Department is able to support this project as it directly responds to actions contained within the Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services 2026-2028.

"With over two million visitors to the Careersportal website each year, we now have a great opportunity to highlight all the modern and attractive opportunities available with Irish to the wider public, both in education and employment. It will ensure that young people, career guidance teachers and others who are interested are aware of the different ways in which they can maintain contact with the language after school and indeed the added advantage of Irish language skills. "I would like to thank COGG for their support in providing 25% funding for the project over the next four years, and CareersPortal for its proactive approach in supporting the State's vision for the language."

COGG Chief Executive, Jacqueline Ní Fhearghusa, said: "This project contributes significantly to COGG's mission to support the development and promotion of Irish-medium education. It is vital that learners, teachers and families have access to comprehensive, up-to-date information on career and educational opportunities through Irish.

"Through this partnership with CareersPortal and the Department, we will be able to provide a strong, innovative platform that will support students to explore their options and achieve their career goals through the medium of the language. We believe that this initiative will help to raise awareness of the opportunities available and to boost the use of Irish as a living language in both the world of education and work."

CareersPortal Director, Eimear Sinnott, said: "We are delighted to be working with the Department and COGG on the redevelopment of this groundbreaking new resource. For over twenty years, CareersPortal has been providing resources and guidance tools, ensuring equal access and opportunity for all at every stage of the lifelong journey. This dedicated Irish language resource is a significant asset, enabling people to identify careers where they can utilise their Irish language skills. SaolOibre.ie will act as a one-stop resource, providing information and inspiration to those considering studying or working through Irish.

"This innovative platform will be a model for providing career information. It will also be a great support for those conducting research and identifying educational pathways and career opportunities where they can use Irish."