Written answer
Gaeltacht Policy
The Minister cited €216,000 in annual Gaeltacht investment, approved €10,000 for language planning, and is reviewing Nascadh Uíbh Ráthaigh’s meeting request.
4124. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if he will meet with a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60182/26]
Comment on this
I have met with representatives from Nascadh Uíbh Ráthaigh previously in September of 2025 to discuss this matter. The group subsequently met with officials from my Department.
Under the statutory Gaeltacht language planning process, an annual sum totalling €216,000 is being invested by my Department in developing the use of the Irish language in both the Uíbh Ráthach Gaeltacht and the Cathair Saidhbhín Gaeltacht Service Town.
Foras na Gaeilge are responsible under the Gaeltacht Act 2012 for supporting organisations that are preparing and implementing language plans outside the statutory Gaeltacht. I recognise the efforts being made within the Uíbh Ráthach area to strengthen and promote the language within the community. I therefore asked Foras na Gaeilge to contact Nascadh Uíbh Ráthaigh to discuss possible supports for the organisation’s work.
It is my understanding that Foras na Gaeilge organised a meeting with representatives from Nascadh Uíbh Ráthaigh and Chomhchoiste Uíbh Ráthaigh in May of this year and that the groups were informed that I had approved additional funding of €10,000 in 2026 to support language planning in that part of the Uíbh Ráthach peninsula that is outside the official Gaeltacht. This was in addition to funding of €15,000 approved in June 2022 to enable Nascadh Uíbh Ráthaigh to prepare a language plan for the area of Uíbh Ráthaigh that lies outside the official Gaeltacht boundaries and outside of the Gaeltacht Service Town of Cathair Saidhbhín.
This funding was approved to prepare a plan on an exceptional basis, taking into account the specific circumstances of the area. Foras na Gaeilge remain positioned to offer advice and support with regards to utilising both this funding and funding available under its various other schemes to support the rollout of the Irish Language Plan.
I have received a request for a meeting directly to my office and I will keep this request under review.