The Minister for Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Development, Dara Calleary TD, has approved a capital funding package of €235,000 over a five-year period to support Ireland’s language planning sector. The announcement was made at the Language Planning Conference in Castlebar and reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening the Irish language ecosystem nationwide.
Of the total allocation, €155,000 has been designated for Údarás na Gaeltachta and €80,000 for Foras na Gaeilge. The funding will provide essential work equipment for Language Planning Officers operating across various regions. Within the Gaeltacht, 26 Language Planning Areas and three Gaeltacht Service Towns under Údarás na Gaeltachta will benefit. Outside the Gaeltacht, the funding will support 13 Gaeltacht Service Towns and three Irish Language Networks under the remit of Foras na Gaeilge.
The investment follows recommendations from an independent review of the Language Planning Process, which highlighted the need to ensure adequate resources for each Language Planning Area, including access to necessary office equipment. The funding is expected to enhance the operational capacity of Language Planning Officers and improve the delivery of language development initiatives at local and regional levels.
Minister Calleary described the allocation as practical support that will enable lead organisations to equip their teams effectively. He emphasized that the funding demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to the language planning process and to fostering the growth and sustainability of the Irish language through coordinated and well-resourced action.
