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Minister Deenihan announces €1.7 million grant for Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne in Co. Kerry

Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan T.D., announced grant funding today (13 September 2013) from his Department of €1,746,765 for Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne.

This funding is to enable the construction of a development centre in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh in Co. Kerry at a cost of €3.4 million. Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne will contribute €500,000 towards the project with the remainder being provided by Údarás na Gaeltachta.

This project will be completed through a partnership between the State - including the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Kerry County Council - and the community development organisations - Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne and Coiste Ionad Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh Chorca Dhuibhne.

Minister Deenihan commented:

"I am delighted to be able to provide the Comharchumann with this grant. This facility will serve as a new headquarters for the Comharchumann, as a family support facility and as a community facility. While Gaeltacht communities face many challenges, I believe that this new centre will strengthen the Irish language as the language of the community in Corca Dhuibhne. I particularly want to welcome the partnership approach to this development, with my Department, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Kerry County Council and Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne coming together to make this project a reality."

Minister of State in the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dinny McGinley T.D., also welcomed the development, saying:

"The Irish language support services that will be available through this development centre will be vital in supporting the future of Corca Dhuibhne as a Gaeltacht area. This development is the epitome of the practical implementation of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 and will be essential in supporting the language planning process in Corca Dhuibhne."