Gaeltacht Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 February 2024

Wednesday, 14 February 2024

Questions (184)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

184. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 623 of 13 June 2023, the status of the preparation of language plans in respect of the 16 towns identified as possible Gaeltacht service towns following the consultation process in 2014; for a breakdown of the language plans completed to date, the language plans approved to-date, the towns in respect of which language plans are currently in preparation and the towns in respect of which the preparation of language plans is yet to begin; the timeline for the completion of all language plans in respect of Gaeltacht service towns; the reason for the delay in delivering the plans; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6793/24]

Written answers

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

On foot of the consultation process conducted in 2014, 16 towns were identified as potential Gaeltacht Service Towns contingent on language plans being agreed with the local communities in accordance with the prescribed language planning criteria under Acht na Gaeltachta 2012.

Of those 16 Gaeltacht Service Towns, to date, 8 language plans have been approved and are being implemented in the towns concerned. The table below sets outs each of the 16 Gaeltacht Service Towns and the status of their respective language plans:

Gaeltacht Service Town	Current Status	Date Approved
Daingean Uí Chúis	Plan Approved	04/08/2020
Leitir Ceanainn	Plan Approved	04/08/2020
Cathair na Gaillimhe	Plan Approved	13/05/2021
Cathair Chorcaí	Plan being prepared
An Clochán Liath	Plan Approved	01/06/2021
Trá Lí	Plan Approved	07/02/2022
Dún Garbhán	Plan Approved	14/07/2022
Baile Dhún na nGall	Preparation of plan yet to begin
Béal an Mhuirthead	A lead organisation has been selected and a public consultation is currently underway
Caisleán an Bharraigh	Plan Approved	21/07/2022
Baile an Róba	Plan submitted for approval by the Minister
An Clochán	Plan submitted for approval by the Minister
Cathair Saidhbhín	Plan Approved	31/03/2023
Maigh Chromtha	Preparation of plan yet to begin
Baile Átha Buí	Preparation of plan yet to begin
An Uaimh	Preparation of plan yet to begin

Following appointment, each lead organisation is given a two year period in which to prepare a plan for submission to the Minister for approval.