Irish Language

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023

Tuesday, 13 June 2023

Questions (624)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

624. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the details of the Irish-language networks approved and recognised to date, following the announcement in 2018; the timeline for the approval and recognition of the remaining identified areas as Irish-language networks; the status of the development of language plans in the remaining identified areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27108/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

All 3 of the Irish Language Networks designated under the Gaeltacht Act 2012 in Loughrea, Clondalkin and Ennis had their language plans approved in January of 2020 and are currently implementing same. Annual funding of up to €80,000 over a 7 year period is being made available to each of those Irish Language Networks to implement their plans.

My Department has recently had discussions with Foras na Gaeilge about the feasibility of designating additional Irish Language Networks in a small number of areas. Work in this regard will be progressed by Foras na Gaeilge over the coming months.

The Deputy should be aware that, in tandem with the statutory language planning process administered by my Department in the south, Foras na Gaeilge administers a similar non-statutory process in Northern Ireland. To date, two networks have been approved under this initiative, in West Belfast and Carn Tóchair.