Govt Approves Gaeltacht Language Planning Area

The government has approved the language plan for the Gaeltacht Language Planning Area: Na Déise, Government Chief-Whip and Minister of State for the Irish language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, Joe McHugh, has announced.

This is the fourth plan to be approved under the process since it began in 2014 and ensures the implementation of the language plan in Gaeltacht na nDéise. Údarás na Gaeltachta will work in conjunction with the lead language planning organisation to commence the implementation of the language plan in the area without delay.

An allocation of up to €100,000 will be provided for the language plan over a period of 12 months in order to begin its implementing in the current year. This allocation will include a salary for a Language Planning Officer.

Minister McHugh said: "The approval of this plan ensures that the most important phase of the process has begun in Na Déise, that being the implementation of the language plan in which the requirements as they are identified locally are defined. The allocation of up to €100,000 for the area means that the Gaeltacht community will now be able to put their plan into action and have a greater influence than ever on the status of the Irish language, with ongoing assistance from my Department, Údarás na Gaeltachta and other stakeholders.

"I would like to congratulate the lead organisation which began this language planning process initially. This was a new process for this Gaeltacht community but they approached it with enthusiasm and diligence. I wish the community of Gaeltacht na nDéise success over the next seven years. My Department, working with Údarás na Gaeltachta, will be available to help with the implementation of the plan thus placing the Irish language on a stronger footing."

(MH)