The Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands Seán Kyne T.D has launched the Conamara Láir Language Plan at an event organised in Coláiste Chuimhneacháin an Phiarsaigh, Ros Muc on Friday. The broad geographical region covers an area which includes Camus westwards via Ros Muc, Cill Chiaráin, Carna and northwards to An Caiseal, Sraith Salach and westwards towards Inis Ní and Iorras Beag Thiar in the Roundstone catchment.
Forbairt Chonamara Láir Teo have been entrusted to act as lead-organisation in the language planning process in the area and as a result of consultation with the public, a Language Planning Steering Committee with representation from all the areas covered by the Conamara Láir region has been established.
Speaking at the launch of the Plan, the Minister of State Kyne said;
Significant work has been undertaken in respect of this Plan and I would like to convey my thanks to all those involved. The Conamara Láir Language Planning Steering Committee - who have compiled the plan in partnership and co-operation with Forbairt Chonamara Láir who are central to the development of projects and local public services, is worth mentioning in particular.
The event provided insight on the progress that has been made under the language planning process and the most recent developments being made and planned which will benefit both the process and the Gaeltacht education policy.
Notes for Editors
Of the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, 16 plans have been approved to date with five of those located in the Galway Gaeltacht, including Conamara Láir.
- Cois Fharraige;
- Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire & Loch an Iúir;
- Cloich Chionnaola, Gort an Choirce, An Fál Carrach & Machaire Rabhartaigh;
- Na Déise;
- Múscraí;
- Ciarraí Theas;
- Dúiche Sheoigheach & Tuar Mhic Éadaigh;
- Ciarraí Thiar;
- Maigh Eo Thuaidh;
- Árainn Mhór, Co Donegal;
- An Cheathrú Rua;
- Conamara Láir;
- Ráth Chairn & Baile Ghib;
- Dún na nGall Theas;
- Ceantar na nOileán
- Tuaisceart Dhún na nGall
10 Language Planning Officers and 3 Assistant Language Planning Officers have been employed to date and the implementation of the relevant plans has commenced accordingly. The process pertaining to the drawing up of plans for Gaeltacht Service Towns is in progress for the following towns: Letterkenny, An Clochán Liath, Tralee, Dungarvan, Castlebar, Cahersiveen and Galway City and Cork City. The first plan regarding Daingean Uí Chúis, Co Kerry as a Service Town has been received by the department recently and is undergoing analysis.
Foras na Gaeilge has presented plans relating to the 3 Irish Language Networks identified up until now under the process in relation to the Irish Language Networks to the Department which are currently being considered.
A comprehensive outline of what has been done and is planned to benefit the Irish language and the Gaeltacht is given in the Government’s Action Plan 2018-2022 for the Irish Language - which is available at the following link: https://www.chg.gov.ie/app/uploads/2018/06/ghaeltacht_report_screen.pdf