The Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport, Jack Chambers TD, has announced €1,273,904 in new funding to further promote the Irish language in Tralee and the west and south Kerry Gaeltacht areas.
Details
A total of €713,094 has been allocated for Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne Teo.
In addition, €560,000 has been approved for the implementation of the Tralee Language Plan under the language planning process.
This is equivalent to €80,000 per annum over the seven year life of the plan.
Three-Year Fund For Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne
On Monday March 7, Minister Chambers visited Áras Bhréanainn, Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, where he announced a fund worth up to €713,904 over a three year period for Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne Teo.
This will help strengthen Irish as the main spoken language in west and south Kerry, especially among young people and families with children.
Following the above announcement, Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne Teo will develop two new programmes:
- a Youth Ecology Pilot Programme wthat will promote a greater understanding of wildlife environmental issues;
- and a special programme to encourage and enable families to provide accommodation for those attending Irish language colleges in the area.
Statement By Minister Chambers
Minister Chambers stated, "I am delighted to announce this programme today which will support both the language planning process, and the policy for Gaeltacht education.
"Today's funding announcement will support families in the west Kerry and south Kerry language planning areas, who are raising their children through Irish, or who wish to do so, as well as implementing a range of other policies for the benefit of the Irish language in both areas."
Tralee Language Plan
Minister Chambers also visited Gaelcholáiste Thrá Lí, where he confirmed that the language plan for the Gaeltacht Service Town of Tralee has been approved under the language planning process, with €560,000 allocated for the implementation of the plan.
This plan will be implemented under the direction of the Kerry Education and Training Board.
Additional Statement By Minister Chambers
Minister Chambers also stated, "I would like to thank the Kerry Education and Training Board for their work in putting this plan together. A lot of work has been put in to get to this point and I congratulate everyone involved.
"As with all the language plans already approved and implemented, in this case the people of Tralee are being given the opportunity to choose their own priorities under the plan, and to participate in its implementation on the basis of a partnership.
"This plan and these efforts are all in the interest of the Irish language locally."
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