Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 March 2017
51. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs her plans to support the Irish language and Irish language facilities outside Gaeltacht areas, such as the recent allocation of €150,000 to a centre (details supplied). [11740/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I should clarify that Foras na Gaeilge, an agency of the North South Language Body, which is co-funded by my Department and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland, is the agency charged with promotion of the Irish language on an all-island basis. In carrying out its legislative mandate, Foras na Gaeilge provides support, advice and financial assistance to many groups who promote the language, including for the provision of courses and activities to help people improve or learn the language.
At present, Foras na Gaeilge contributes funding to staffing and revenue costs and provides project funding for centres in Northern Ireland. Other indirect support is provided by Foras na Gaeilge through its community capacity building scheme Scéim Pobal Gaeilge 2016-2020. I have been informed by Foras na Gaeilge that they have committed to provide 4 year funding to a number of Irish language groups which have Irish language centres all over Ireland.
Area for Action 6.4 of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language provides for the development of Irish language social and resource centres in urban centres around Ireland. Discussions are underway between my Department and Foras na Gaeilge regarding the establishment of a new scheme to address this Area for Action, subject to funding becoming available.
My Department also, under its Irish Language Support Schemes, provides funding for small scale capital projects associated with the promotion of the Irish language outside the Gaeltacht. As the Deputy is aware, in 2016, I provided capital funding of €150,000 over a three year period for the development of the Irish language and Cultural Centre referred to by the Deputy. This funding will allow for the development of the centre’s facilities for the Irish speaking community in the area. The works will include the construction of a new single storey extension to be used as a cultural centre, café and bookshop.
The architect is currently working on the drawings of phase one of the project which it is hoped will be open to the public in September. Phase two of the project is estimated to cost €80,000. This will involve the construction of a theatre and meeting space for the various Irish language and cultural groups in the area.
