On the direction of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, Foras na Gaeilge wishes to invite expressions of interest from potential applicants to prepare and implement language plans in areas that may be suitable for achieving recognition as an Irish Language Network. Irish Language Networks are areas that have demonstrated a critical mass of support for the Irish language from both the community and the State.

Organisations wishing to be selected as a language planning organisation, with the objective of obtaining Irish Language Network status for their area, must submit an application form to Foras na Gaeilge by the deadline of 30 November 2026.

Based on this application process, Foras na Gaeilge will invite eligible organisations that achieve the required threshold score to make a presentation on their vision for securing recognition as an Irish Language Network for their area.

As a result of this process and following an order made by the Minister under Section 11(1) of the Gaeltacht Act, up to three successful applicants will be appointed as lead language planning organisations in the jurisdiction in the south. Foras na Gaeilge will be responsible for appointing up to two successful applicants in the northern jurisdiction.

Further information and an application form are available to download here.