First Plans Approved Under Gaeltacht Language Planning Area

The first language plans have been approved under the language planning process by Minister of State for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh.

The plans for the Gaeltacht Language Planning Area include 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.

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.

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, Minister McHugh 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."

He added: "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 eight other areas for submission to the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht between now and the end of the year.

(MH)