3 May 2024 

Foras na Gaeilge has approved grants worth €608,613 to support the use of the Irish language in the areas of the arts and youth. 

€262,898.16 has been approved under the Professional and Amateur Drama Companies Scheme 2024. The scheme is focused on Irish language drama companies which aim to foster, develop and provide Irish language drama to the arts sector, the Irish language community, to the wider community and to the education sector. The number of applications for this scheme has increased significantly this year, from companies based in the north especially. Grants, worth up to €27,000, will be provided to 25 companies throughout the island including Stiúideo Cuan, Co. Galway, Aisteoirí Thamhlachta, Co. Dublin and Ababú, Co. Antrim.  

Under the Summer Camps Scheme 2024, grants were approved for 79 camps, a maximum of €2,500 or £1,750 for each camp, worth €172,154 in total. A wide range of activities will be provided at the camps, including water, drama, dance, music, film and bowling activities as well as trips. 

€95,933 has been approved under the Festivals Scheme 2024 (Call One), which focuses on festivals which aim to foster and promote the Irish language, Irish language arts, indigenous arts and Irish language heritage through the medium of Irish or bilingually, as an integral part of the festival. The Ennis Book Club Festival, Co. Clare, the Ballintogher Festival, Co. Sligo, The Five Lamps Arts Festival, Co. Dublin, and Aonach Mhacha, Co. Armagh were among the festivals to which grants will be provided in the first half of 2024. The number of applications for the first call of this scheme has significantly increased. Another opportunity to apply for the second half of 2024 was provided under the Festivals Scheme Call Two. 

€77,628.51 has been approved for eight national major events under the Major Events Arts Scheme 2024. This scheme focuses on major events which aim to foster and promote the Irish language and Irish language-based arts through the medium of Irish or bilingually. Additionally, this scheme focuses on the Irish language social networks, the general public and the arts sector on an all-island and international basis. Féile na Gealaí, Co. Meath, Féile an Phobail, Co. Antrim, Féasta Amhránaíochta agus Ceoil an Spidéil, Co. Galway and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Co. Wexford are among the major events for which grants will be provided in 2024. 

Foras na Gaeilge Chairperson, Professor Regina Uí Chollatáin, said, “The significant annual increase in demand for these schemes demonstrates how the Irish language is flourishing among communities, and that communities throughout the island are seeking opportunities to use their Irish.” 

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