Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 November 2021
112. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media her plans to promote the use of Irish outside Gaeltacht areas particularly in the capital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55121/21]
View answerMy Department provides both current and capital funding through the Irish Language Supports Schemes to promote the Irish language outside of the Gaeltacht. These schemes support a wide range of Irish language initiatives. Funding is provided to organisations on an annual basis to promote the Irish language outside of the Gaeltacht and some of these include Gaillimh le Gaeilge, Gnó Mhaigh Eo, Cill Dara le Gaeilge, An Taibhdhearc, and An Cumann Scoildrámaíochta. I also hope to be in a position to announce specific funding for the promotion of the language in Dublin shortly. The aim of these organisations is to implement a strategy that will increase the visibility of the Irish language, increase opportunities for the use of the language, especially within the business community, and ensure that the language is more heard in the cities.
Glór na nGael's schemes, Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha and Scéim Teanga Tí are also supported through the Irish Language Support Schemes - the former supporting the use of the language in the GAA and the latter aimed at communities of Gaelscoileanna.
The purpose of the capital assistance provided under this fund is the strengthening of Irish as a community and family language in accordance with the objectives of The Gaeltacht Act 2012 and the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030. This funding is provided to assist with the cost of refurbishing existing Irish Language Centres, developing new builds, and to purchase equipment for such venues. The following organisations in the capital are being funded from my Department:
Conradh na Gaeilge The flagship headquarters of Conradh na Gaeilge at no. 6 Harcourt Street has received planning permission and its development as an Irish Language Centre is referenced in the National Development Plan.
Gaelphobal Thamhlachta This project involved the development of an Irish Language Centre situated in Tallaght village.
Áras Chrónáin, Cluain Dolcáin This long-standing Irish Language Centre situated in Clondalkin was provided with funding for the upgrade of facilities.
As the Deputy is no doubt already aware, a firm commitment was made in the Programme for Government that a network of Irish Language and Cultural Centres, promoting a community-based approach in the promotion of the Irish Language, would be developed in Dublin and on a nationwide basis.
This commitment builds on commitments made in the past in relation to Irish Language and Cultural Centres under the 5-Year Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022 and under the National Development Plan 2018-2027. A commitment to developing a comprehensive language plan for Dublin City is also contained in the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.
Significant progress has been achieved in regards to the implementation of the Language Planning Process as defined under the Gaeltacht Act 2012. To date, Language Plans have been approved in respect 24 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, 4 Gaeltacht Service Towns and 3 Irish Language Networks.
A significant increase was provided in budget 2021 in respect of the Language Planning Process. An overall budget of €5m has been provided for the preparation and implementation of language plans along with a range of initiatives central to the process as follows, Family, Early Years and the Traditional Arts. This budget has been increased again to €5.8m for 2022. As it relates to Dublin, it is worth noting that one of the approved Irish Language Networks under the Act is Clondalkin, the language plan for which was approved in January 2020. Further information on the scheme can be found on my Department's website here .
