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New fund – NASC Gaeltachta, launched by Minister of State Kyne to further enhance ties between different Gaeltacht areas

The Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Seán Kyne TD, has today announced a new fund, NASC Gaeltachta, which will provide additional assistance to those wishing to organise one-off events with the aim of further enhancing ties between different Gaeltacht areas.

The newly established NASC Gaeltachta fund - totalling €60,000 per annum, will enable Irish language organisations operating in the Gaeltacht to apply to the Department for current funding of up to €20,000 or 75% of the total admissible cost, whichever is the lesser, to assist them with the organisation of a cultural/arts or sporting event(s), through the medium of Irish. It is envisaged that the fund, which lasts for two years, 2020 and 2021, will cover these types of sporting, entertainment and cultural events (e.g. drama festivals, music, conferences, workshops, etc.).

The Minister of State said:

I am delighted to be able to launch this fund. Social and entertainment events organised through Irish, that entice different Gaeltacht communities to come together, are of particular value and importance. Not only do such events benefit the Irish language and the Gaeltacht community, but they also help to attract new visitors to the Gaeltacht areas and allow them to experience the richness of the Gaeltacht culture. 

This fund is being established in accordance with the commitment given under Action 2.16 of the Government’s Action Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022, which was launched in June 2018.

In relation to events that might qualify for assistance under the fund for 2020, please note that applications for these must be received by the Department no later than: 20 December 2019.

Further information is available at https://www.chg.gov.ie/gaeltacht/the-gaeltacht/language-support-schemes-programmes/nasc-gaeltachta/.