Several Donegal Gaeltacht regions included in review of language plans

Funding of up to €92,500 was approved for the independent review of the first ten language plans approved in accordance with the Gaeltacht Act, 2012.   

Included in these plans are Cloich Cheann Fhaola, Gort an Choirce, An Fál Carrach and Machaire Rabhairtigh; Gaoth Dobhair, Rann na Feirste, Anagaire and Loch an Iúir; Árainn Mhór; Ná Déise; Ciarraí Theas; Conamara Láith; An Cheathrú Rua; Maigh Eo Thuaidh; Ráth Chairn & Baile Ghib

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, TD, announced that the review of the first 10 language plans under the language planning process has been published. 

Under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht must complete a review of language plans. As a result of a request from the language planning community itself, the first review of the process has been an independent one, undertaken by the company, Barr Feabhais Teo. 

 Barr Feabhais Teo undertook research and consultation with a wide range of organisations, Irish language lead organisations and stakeholders in the course of their work. A range of recommendations is included in the review published today, encompassing actions which will support language planning in the years to come.  The response of the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to those recommendations is also being published today in tandem with the review.

It is worth noting that a significant number of recommendations are included in respect of which implementation has already commenced. These include matters emanating from the National Plan for Irish Language Public Services and from the Digital Plan for the Irish Language as well the provision of substantial additional financial supports by Minister Calleary’s Department in the areas of family transmission, early years, youth services and the arts, to name a few. Other recommendations are included which could prompt new measures as the second cycle of the language planning process approaches.

“I would like to thank Barr Feabhais Teoranta, who undertook the review of the first 10 language plans, and all those who took part in the review process,” Dara Calleary TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, said. “Although the independent consultants have identified certain challenges, the findings clearly show that overall, the process is proving successful.  

“Many of the recommendations involve improving public services in the Gaeltacht and, to that end, I will be submitting the first Action Plan for Irish Language Public Services to the Government this week.  Having secured the largest ever increase for the Irish language and Gaeltacht sector in Budget 2026, an additional €3m will be invested in the process this year. Between this investment and the impact of the Action Plan, the coming period will see an acceleration of the process. The review published today will be of assistance in accomplishing this, as well as supporting the implementation of the second cycle of the language planning process.”

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The Gaeltacht Act 2012 gives statutory effect to the language planning process under which language plans will be prepared at community level in areas which could be recognised under the Act as Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, as Gaeltacht Service Towns or as Irish Language Networks.

Communities are granted a period of time to prepare and implement language plans. Under the legislation, the department is responsible for evaluating language plans prior to approval. The department will also have responsibility for periodically reviewing the implementation of the language plans.

Under the Act, the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht must complete a review of language plans. As a result of a request from the language planning community itself, the first review of the process has been an independent one, undertaken by the company, Barr Feabhais Teo.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme