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Government Chief-Whip and Minister of State for the Irish language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh T.D., announced today (Thursday) that the language plans for the Gaeltacht Language Planning Area: Gaoth Dobhair, Anagaire, Rann na Feirste and Loch an Iúir as well as: Cloich Cheann Fhaola, Gort an Choirce, An Fál Carrach and Machaire Rabhartaigh, Co Donegal and Cois Fharraige in the Galway Gaeltacht have been approved by him under the language planning process.

These are the first three plans to be approved under the process since it began in 2014. It means that the implementation of the language plans in those three particular areas will begin soon. Údarás na Gaeltachta will work in conjunction with the three lead language planning organisations to commence the implementation of the language plans in the areas before long.

Subject to the provision announced at the beginning of April, an allocation of up to €100,000 will be provided over a period of 12 months in respect of each area for which a language plan is approved in order to begin implementing the plans in the current year. This allocation will include a salary for a Language Planning Officer to be employed by the lead organisations as required, to assist the implementation of the agreed plans.

Speaking at an event in Amharclann Ghaoth Dobhair, organised to recognise the commencement of the most important phase of the process, namely the implementation of the language plans, the Minister of State said that the fact that the implementation of the language plans is about to begin in three separate Gaeltacht areas is a great step forward.

The Minister of State said: “The approval of these plans means that the most important phase of the process has begun, that being the implementation of the language plans in which the requirements as they are identified locally will be outlined. The allocation of up to €100,000 for each area means that the Gaeltacht communities will now be able to put their plans into action and have a greater influence than ever on the state of the Irish language, with ongoing assistance from my Department, Údarás na Gaeltachta and other stakeholders.

“I would like to congratulate the three lead organisations who began this language planning process in the first place in Gaoth Dobhair, Anagaire, Rann na Feirste and Loch an Iúir, Cloich Cheann Fhaola, Gort an Choirce, An Fál Carrach and Machaire Rabhartaigh in Donegal and in Cois Fharraige in the Galway Gaeltacht. This was a new process for these Gaeltacht communities but they approached it with enthusiasm and diligence. I understand, of course, that the lead language planning organisations will launch their own language plans locally, so that the communities they serve will learn about the process, the work plan to be agreed and its importance. My Department, working with Údarás na Gaeltachta, will certainly be available to help with that aspect of things in any appropriate way.”

It is anticipated that plans will be prepared in respect of 8 other areas for submission to the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht between now and the end of the year.


Note to the editor
Of the 26 Gaeltacht language planning areas recognised under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the process has been commenced in 23 and is expected to commence in the other three areas by the end of the year, namely: Bearna and Knocknacarragh; Galway City East; and an tEachréidh.

It is anticipated that plans for the following areas will be submitted to the Department for approval under the Gaeltacht Act between now and the end of the year:

· West Kerry:
· South Kerry;
· Na Déise;
· An Cheathrú Rua;
· Múscraí;
· Ceantar na nOileán;
· Dúiche Sheoigheach and Tuar Mhic Éadaigh; and,
· Conamara Láir.


With regard to the Gaeltacht Service Towns, Údarás na Gaeltachta will use the above allocation of €735,000 to advance the process as it relates to the preparation of language plans in the following Gaeltacht Service Towns: Daingean Uí Chúis, Béal an Mhuirthead and An Clochán Liath during the current year.

Foras na Gaeilge will use an allocation of €115,000 sanctioned for them to advance the language plan preparation process this year in Galway City, Cork City, Letterkenny, Tralee and Dungarvan. The funds will also be used to prepare plans for the following Irish-language Networks: Clondalkin; Ennis, Co. Clare and Loughrea, Co. Galway.

In addition to the language planning fund above, the broad programme of schemes, measures and initiatives - funded by the exchequer - will continue to be implemented by the Department, Údarás na Gaeltachta and Irish-language organisations, which will act as a continual support for the language planning process.

Language plans will involve a 7-year implementation period and it is intended to carry out an interim review on each language plan in year 3 and a final review in year 6 of the implementation.

Further information at http://www.chg.gov.ie/