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Geographical Information System (GIS) for Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas launched by Minister of State McHugh
The Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Joe McHugh, T.D. today launched a Geographical Information System for Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas. The system, developed by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is aimed at supporting the implementation of the language planning process in Gaeltacht areas.
Under the system, census data for 2006 and 2011 is presented regarding Irish language usage by Electoral Division in the Gaeltacht. Provisional information provided by the Department of Education and Skills regarding the location and population of primary and secondary schools in respect of the school year 2014/15 is also presented in map format.
The Minister of State said: “While this GIS system is being provided primarily to further support organisations who are and who will be engaged in preparing and implementing language plans in the Gaeltacht, it will also be of interest and assistance to the public sector and the wider community in fostering a deeper understanding regarding the language and the language planning process.”
Notes for Editors:
The Geographical Information System is available at http://www.ahg.gov.ie/gaeltacht/20-year-strategy-for-the-irish-language-2010-2030/language-planning-process/.
The main map data layers displayed in the map viewer visualise the statistical data output from the study titled: Nuashonrú ar an Staidéar Cuimsitheach Teangeolaíoch ar Úsáid na Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht: 2006-2011 Ó Giollagáin, C. & Charlton, M. published by Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2015. This study analysed the data collected by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) through the national censuses in 2006 and 2011. The statistical data on the level of usage of Irish in the Gaeltacht is presented on the Geographical Information System in the map data layers by Electoral Division.
There are also two data map layers showing location and population information for primary and post-primary schools which is provided by the Department of Education and Skills and which consists of provisional data for the 2014/2015 school year.