Gaeilge365 is innovative because it replaces fragmented, low‑impact language provision with a single, scalable service‑innovation model embedded in everyday public‑service delivery. Previously, activity focused on translations and stand‑alone initiatives with high administrative effort and limited measurable impact. Gaeilge365 simplifies this by integrating language into existing services through shared governance, reusable templates and a structured innovation pipeline, enabling rapid testing and institutional adoption.
It is also innovative in how it reshapes citizen engagement and measurement. The programme shifts interaction out of formal channels and into parks, leisure centres and community spaces, generating tens of thousands of voluntary interactions. It replaces proxy indicators with real service‑level metrics, enabling evidence‑based decisions about what to embed, scale or stop. Few government initiatives combine simplification, participation and measurement in this way.

G365 is fully operational across Dublin’s 4 local authorities. It delivered 14 service pilots in 2025, with 4 transitioned into permanent service delivery & a goal of 24 for 2026. Measured opportunities increased from approximately to over 26,000 in 2025 with a defined pathway to 150,000+ by 2028. Governance structures, shared templates and performance indicators are embedded, supporting consistent delivery. Lessons are now being diffused nationally, supported by the Programme for Government.

The programme is delivered through partnership between national government & Dublin’s four local authorities. The Department of Rural & Community Development & Gaeltacht provides policy leadership & multi‑annual funding, Dublin City Council coordinates service design, testing & implementation across each council. Community, cultural & educational partners contribute to codesign of pilots, access to user groups, & delivery of large‑scale public initiatives, engaging thousands of users annually.

Citizens gained a rapid increase in Irish‑language speaking opportunities, with a target of 150,000 by 2028, through various initiatives & services for all groups, communities & levels. Government & local authorities benefit from a scalable model that increases service impact, supports national policies & builds staff capacity through creative leadership programmes contributing directly to the national target of 20% Irish‑proficient public‑service recruits by 2030.

The intended impact of Gaeilge365 is to simplify bilingual service delivery, increase citizen speaking opportunities, and enable scalable, measurable impact across local authorities. Results to date show a rapid increase in real Irish‑language use: annual speaking opportunities grew from approx. 10,000 to over 26,000 in 2025, with a clear trajectory toward 150,000+ by 2028. 14 service pilots were delivered in one year, with 4 embedded permanently into core services. Impact is measured through service‑level indicators including number of interactions, repeat participation, pilot‑to‑scale conversion, and organisational capability outcomes. These metrics ensure resources are focused on high‑impact, sustainable initiatives.

A major challenge was limited staff capacity and historic reliance on a small number of individuals to deliver Irish‑language services, creating uneven quality and sustainability risks. Some early pilots stalled where ownership or confidence was lacking. These challenges were addressed by shifting from individual‑led initiatives to system‑level supports, simplified governance and structured capability building. The An Chomhairle Chraiceáilte programme was introduced to develop innovation and leadership skills across the organisation, reducing reliance on specialists and enabling consistent delivery aligned with national workforce targets.

There is strong and growing public demand for bilingual services, with 356,000 people in Dublin expressing a desire for more Irish in everyday life, creating momentum and legitimacy. Clear unmet needs - such as Irish‑language swimming lessons for children with additional needs who cannot communicate through English - demonstrated where impact mattered most. Global opportunity also played a role, with 5 million learners on Duolingo informing initiatives such as TurasÓir. Social challenges, including urban loneliness, shaped projects like Binsí Comhrá. Success was underpinned by shared governance & strong leadership across Dublin’s 4 local authorities, multi‑annual funding, alignment with national policy, & plans for national expansion.

Language can be a powerful driver of social innovation when it is connected to real services and real communities rather than standalone initiatives. Embedding bilingualism at scale requires clear structures, visible champions, behavioural insight and space to test through pilots. Small, low‑risk experiments can deliver significant cultural change when successful models are embedded across services.
A digital playbook has been developed, documenting methods & templates to enable consistent replication of pilots and best practices nationally. Alignment with national legislation & strategy accelerated organisational buy‑in and scaling.
Delegations visited Dublin from Wales & Catalonia to study G365's best practices for minority languages.