Foras na Gaeilge is conducting a consultation process and invites views on the best way to support Irish language centres throughout the island of Ireland. The period of consultation will continue until June 22nd, 2017.

Foras na Gaeilge invites comments from the public, regarding its aim of broader and more strategic provision for emerging Irish language centres north and south of the border. Although Foras na Gaeilge has no scheme at present to provide for Irish language centres, an annual grant is provided to Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich in Belfast City and Gaeláras Uí Chanáin in Derry City. To year end 2016, Foras na Gaeilge has provided investment funding of over €6,143,500 or £4,490,395 for the two major Irish language centres over the years. Foras na Gaeilge is currently providing the two Irish language centres with annual funding of £223,000.

Speaking today at the announcement of the process, Seán Ó Coinn, Chief Executive Officer of Foras na Gaeilge, said: “Research has shown us that if people who speak a minority language have a ‘safe space’, it contributes hugely to Irish language use in the community.  The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030 recognises the importance of fostering a particular environment for the Irish speaking community and the role of the Irish language centre as an institute to provide that ‘safe space’ to Irish speakers in various areas. The social network is a vital component of language planning principles, Irish language centres have a key role in encouraging opportunities for the Irish language community to use the language outside of their social environment, and we would like to hear the public’s views on the best way to do that.”

Foras na Gaeilge invites views from the public about the four different choices set out in the consultation document. Views are particularly sought from currently funded groups, grantees under various Foras na Gaeilge schemes and the six lead organisations about the different choices as well as the development of a new scheme for Irish language centres, through written submissions and continuous engagement.

Details and consultation documentation pertaining to the process are available at this link. The results of the process and a summary of the responses will be published on the Foras na Gaeilge website, www.forasnagaeilge.ie, in the autumn of 2017.

For more information:

Response Coordinator

Foras na Gaeilge

2-4 Queen Street

Belfast, BT1 6ED

Tel: 0044 2890 890970

Email: ionaid@forasnagaeilge.ie

Response Coordinator

Foras na Gaeilge

7 Merrion Square

Dublin 2.

Tel: +353 1 639 8400

Email: ionaid@forasnagaeilge.ie

Media Queries to:

Anna Davitt, Programme Manager: Communications, Marketing & Awareness, Foras na Gaeilge

Tel: 0035387 673 6175    

Email: adavitt@forasnagaeilge.ie