First language planning notices published
January 6, 2014
Request for submissions regarding three language planning regions announced under Section 7(3) of the Gaeltacht Act 2012
The Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Dinny McGinley, T.D., has announced the first notices regarding the language planning process for the following Limistéir Pleanála Teanga:
Ciarraí Thiar
Cois Fharraige
Gaoth Dobhair, Rann a Feirste, Anagaire and Loch an Iúir
Under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the Gaeltacht was divided into 19 separate language planning regions, with the intention that a unique language plan would be drafted for each selected region. It was agreed at that time that a supervisory body would be named in each region to work alongside Údarás na Gaeltachta in implementing the language plan on the ground. In May of this year, it was announced that the language planning areas had been redefined, which meant an increase from 19 distinct areas to 26.
Announcing the beginning of the application process today, Minister of State McGinley said, “I am delighted to announce that I have published the first three notices under section 7(3) of the Gaeltacht Act 2012. These notices officially mark the beginning of the language planning process on the ground in these areas”.
Organisations will be given up to 2 months from 16 January 2014 to apply to Údarás na Gaeltachta to be selected to prepare and implement language plans in the areas. Language plans will be prepared over a 2 year period and following Department approval, plans will be implemented, with assistance from Údarás na Gaeltachta, over a seven year period.
“Now that the language planning process has been officially initiated in 3 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, I am hopeful that a further 10 notices will be published in respect of 10 other areas next year with the remainder to follow thereafter,” said Minister of State McGinley.
Director of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Kevin De Barra, said that more was expected from the Department: “Only three regions out of twenty six were announced today. It will be a long time before any progress is made should the Department continue with this approach. These regions will have two years to draft a language plan which, following ratification from the Department, will be implemented over a seven year period”.
“No details regarding the resources or support that these regions will receive throughout the process have been released. The Government must prioritise the implementation of this process and the provision of resources to the parties involved”.
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