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An additional €26,000 has been approved by Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh T.D., today to meet the demand for Ciste 125, an initiative under Bliain na Gaeilge 2018. 

With the assistance of a grant of €450,000 approved by the Minister of State in early 2018, Foras na Gaeilge is overseeing a broad programme of events for Bliain na Gaeilge 2018, including Ciste 125.

Minister of State McHugh stressed the importance of Ciste 125 as it is open to groups, organisations, committees and clubs who wish to organise an event or project on the ground for Bliain na Gaeilge 2018 and the promotion of the Irish language.                                            

A fund of €125,000 was put aside under Ciste 125 in order to provide small grants in the range €500- €1,000 to groups who undertake a relevant event or project during Bliain na Gaeilge 2018.  A sum of €50,000 was set aside for events in the first half of the year and €75,000 for events in the second half of the year.

Minister of State McHugh said he was delighted that there was a high demand for Ciste 125. 

After providing €50,000 to 80 groups under the first round, over 200 groups submitted applications for the second round.  I understand that 120 grants have been approved by Conradh na Gaeilge at an overall cost of €75,000 but that left 52 groups, who submitted valid applications, that would be unable to avail of funding under Ciste 125.  I understand also that the second round will assist events in 26 counties across the island in addition to 15 applications overseas.   In those circumstances, I was delighted to approve an additional €26,000 for Ciste 125 to ensure that funding is provided to the additional 52 groups in this instance.

Further information on Bliain na Gaeilge 2018, as launched by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, T.D. in December 2017, can be found online at www.gaeilge2018.ie .