The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Éamon Ó Cuív TD, has announced that a total review will take place regarding funding and organisation of community-based, state-funded organisations in the Gaeltacht, in the near future. This review will provide for realigned and restructured state-funded groups with a role in language planning, community, enterprise development, and social inclusion.
All Gaeltacht areas will be covered by a community body. This change is needed to ensure suitable community structures in line with the requirements of the 20-year strategy for the Irish language, according to Minister Ó Cuív. The realignment of community groups will cover bodies funded by Údarás na Gaeltachta, Gaeltacht-based community development projects, Meitheal Forbartha na Gaeltachta, and Comhar na nOileán.
Consultation with the existing state-funded groups will take place early in the New Year, prior to any change being implemented.
“I believe that realigning organisations will provide coherent community structures in the Gaeltacht and will also facilitate the implementation of the 20-year strategy, as well as ensuring full-area coverage by community structures of all the Gaeltacht areas,” said Minister Ó Cuív.
