Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
930. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht his plans to help establish Irish language settlements and communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47183/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Gaeltacht Act, 2012, Irish language networks are recognised when Lead Organisations appointed under the Act have agreed language plans with their communities. These plans must meet statutory language planning criteria in order to be granted the appropriate recognition. Foras na Gaeilge is responsible for supporting organisations in the preparation and implementation of language plans in Irish language networks.
In 2015, five areas were recognised as Irish Language Networks, that is, they are recognised as areas outside the Gaeltacht where there is a critical mass of Irish speakers and state support and services are available to the community in the Irish language. The recognised Networks are Clondalkin (Dublin), Loughrea (Co. Galway) and Ennis (Co. Clare) under the Gaeltacht Act and West Belfast (Co. Antrim) and Carn Tóchar (Co. Derry) under a non-statutory scheme administered by Foras na Gaeilge north of the border.
The aim of the Irish Language Networks Development Scheme – another scheme administered by Foras na Gaeilge – is to promote, foster and sustain the Irish language on an area basis with particular emphasis on the development and implementation of comprehensive language plans for those areas participating in the scheme. The emphasis in this scheme is on longer-term and more strategic planning, in accordance with the principles of language planning. It is expected that the applicant will have the objective of achieving recognition as an Irish Language Network in the future for the area participating in the scheme. A phased approach is envisaged in this scheme; accordingly, three stages of development are identified – advanced stage, intermediate stage and primary stage.
