Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and Islands

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1 Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Gaeilge, Gaeltacht and Islands September 2015 Commemorating 1916 A new cultural and visitor centre at Pearse s Cottage An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, T.D turned the first sod for a new cultural and visitor centre at Pearse s Cottage, Ros Muc, County Galway on 6 July The centre is one of the eight flagship capital projects which form a core part of the Historical Reflection strand of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme, the yearlong programme of activities to commemorate the events of the 1916 Rising. Pearse's Cottage is set in the striking landscape of Ros Muc where Patrick Pearse, one of the leaders of the 1916 Rising, spent his summers from 1909 to The new centre at Pearse's Cottage will provide visitors to the Connemara Gaeltacht the opportunity to engage actively with contemporary Irish language and culture. Welcome to the first edition of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht s newsletter on Irish Language, Gaeltacht and Island developments. The purpose of this newsletter is to give an overview of the Department s ongoing programme of work in supporting the development of Gaeltacht communities, nurturing and promoting the Irish language and improving the quality of life on our islands. The Department s work in these important areas is undertaken in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including government departments, state agencies, local authorities, and, most importantly, local voluntary communities the length and breadth of the country. Their continued cooperation is very much valued and appreciated and ensures a successful outcome for the various programmes and projects. Since my appointment as Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs in July 2014, I have been very impressed by the amount of work that is underway and by the goodwill, professionalism and commitment of all involved. I am privileged to be able to play my part in this very important work of safeguarding our linguistic and cultural heritage for the future. Dermot Mc Cabe of Simon J. Kelly Architects, Seán Kyne T.D., An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D., Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Joe McHugh T.D. and Brian Walsh T.D. I believe that the centre will become a focal point in attracting visitors to an area which has so much to offer in terms of language, culture and heritage and will highlight the outstanding natural beauty of Connemara. It is also important that the location at Pearse s Cottage is to be a key discovery point on the Wild Atlantic Way. An Taoiseach. The development will comprise four elements including a new visitor centre, Cosán Chonamara (consisting of 5 hectares including looped walks), Slí na Coille (an interpretative space focusing on aspects of Patrick Pearse s life and work) and the existing Pearse's Cottage. The development of the new centre is being led by Údarás na Gaeltachta as part of a steering group comprising Galway County Council, the Office of Public Works, Fáilte Ireland and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. 1

2 ÉIRE 2016 An Teanga Bheo The Irish language is an integral element of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme. The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is coordinating the Irish Language Programme in conjunction with a wide range of key stakeholders. An Teanga Bheo focuses on delivering a distinctive range of events and activities through Irish. The main focus of the Irish Language Programme will be: to align each component part of the programme with the 5 key themes of remembering, reconciling, presenting, imagining and celebrating the historical events of 1916, insofar as they relate to the Irish language and the Gaeltacht; to showcase the language as a vibrant and unique element of our identity, society, history and culture; to stimulate public awareness, participation, debate, reflection and re-imagining around the Irish language, past, present and future; to highlight the importance and intrinsic value of the Gaeltacht, and to stimulate young people s interest and participation in the Irish Language Programme of Ireland ,000 has been allocated to the programme by the Department in 2015 and it is anticipated that additional funding will be provided in The programme is organised around the following key elements: high profile events; media partnerships; lectures, debates, seminars; online learning resources; digitisation programme and arts events. Organisations have been invited to submit funding proposals under the programme. These proposals are currently being evaluated and the approved allocations will be announced shortly. TECHSPACE AS GAEILGE Developing 21st century skills through a high quality ICT youth programme. Techspace as Gaeilge is an innovative project aimed at young people interested in developing their experience and skills in digital media. It is a joint enterprise between the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Camara Ireland Ltd. TechSpace is a national network of digital media spaces in youth centres and schools. The network helps young people to create digital and technological material as they engage in activities such as digital film, web design, mobile app development and robotics. Under the direction of trained instructors and mentors, young people can enhance their computer competency, while improving their self-confidence and social skills. A TechSpace programme specifically for people who would like to use it in Irish is now available. Pictured left at the launch of Techspace as Gaeilge - Seán Ó héanaigh, RTÉ RnaG, Nóirín Ní Chonghaile, TG4, Rónán Mac Con Iomaire, RTÉ and Micheál Ó Foighil, Coláiste Lurgan. Launching the programme recently, Minister McHugh said, I warmly welcome TechSpace as Gaeilge as it is aimed primarily at teenagers. As we all know, young people have a huge interest and particular skills in technology and they are very comfortable in today's digital age. I have no doubt that this innovative programme will greatly benefit both them and the Irish language and that the experience they gain from it will create substantial employment opportunities for them in the creative sector in the future. TechSpace as Gaeilge, which is being funded under the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language , will engage with over 375 educators and young people, inspiring them to develop creative confidence and use the Irish language with new audiences locally, nationally and globally. Further information: 2

3 North Americans presented with awards to study Irish Lisa Nic an Bhreithimh and Dr. Dara Fitzgerald, Fulbright Commission, James Kelly ICUF, Dr. Aodhán Mac Cormaic and Séamus Mac Giolla Chomhaill, DAHG pictured with U.S. and Canadian recipients of Gaeltacht Summer Awards in Acadamh na hollscolaíochta Gaeilge, An Cheathrú Rua. Earlier this month fifteen U.S. and four Canadian Irish language learners were presented with Gaeltacht Sumer Awards at Acadamh na hollscolaíochta Gaeilge, An Cheathrú Rua. Awards were also presented to four Irish Language Instructors selected by the Ireland Canada University Foundation (ICUF) to teach Irish at a range of locations across Canada for the academic year These awards are the result of ongoing collaboration between DAHG, the Ireland-United States [Fulbright] Commission for Educational Exchange and ICUF. They reflect the deep interest in the Irish language in the United States and Canada where, every year, many Irish language learners choose to attend courses at Acadamh na hollscolaíochta Gaeilge, An Cheathrú Rua and other venues. The Awards are instrumental in supporting Irish language learners and teachers in North America and offer an exceptional immersion experience that includes not only Irish language learning, but excursions, traditional Irish music and story-telling in some of Ireland s most picturesque locations. The awards are financed in partnership with universities and institutions in both the U.S. States and Canada. The new Executive Director of the Ireland United States [Fulbright] Commission for Educational Exchange, Dr Dara FitzGerald said The Gaeltacht Summer Awards, now in their fifth year, continue to expand and attract a diverse range of applicants. These awards complement the Commission s core Fulbright awards by providing short immersive experiences for U.S. citizens in Ireland s rich language and culture. We welcome the Irish Government s continued support for this program which has enabled 67 U.S. citizens in total to visit Ireland and take part in Gaeltacht courses this summer. Chief Executive Officer of ICUF, James Kelly said Ireland and Canada enjoy a rich shared culture and heritage, with a remarkable 4.5 million Canadians tracing their ancestry back to Ireland. This year, we are appointing six Irish Language instructors who will bring the Irish language and culture to universities and communities across Canada over the coming academic year. We have also awarded 18 scholarships to Canadian students to attend intensive Irish language courses here in the Gaeltacht. For Irish and Canadian scholars alike, this is a most exciting and formative experience, as this programme enables a new generation to explore and contribute to a deeper understanding of the connection between our two countries. 3

4 The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language The 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language is the cornerstone of the Government s policy with regard to the Irish language. The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Strategy in conjunction with a wide range of key stakeholders. The Strategy sets out areas of action under nine key headings. These are Education, The Gaeltacht, Family Transmission of the Language, Administration, Services and Community, Media and Technology, Dictionaries, Legislation and Status, Economic Life and Cross-cutting Initiatives. The Language Planning Process under the Gaeltacht Act 2012 The Gaeltacht Act 2012, which forms a key part of the Strategy, provides the legislative framework for the systematic implementation of the language planning process under the Act. This process is being implemented by DAHG in conjunction with Údarás na Gaeltachta and Foras na Gaeilge. Insofar as the Gaeltacht is concerned, 13 of the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas have begun the language planning process. The roll-out of the process for the remaining 13 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas will continue in 2015 and Funding of 200,000 was allocated by the Department to Údarás na Gaeltachta in 2014 and again in 2015 to assist organisations involved in the preparation of language plans. Gaeltacht Service Towns Following a public consultation process a list of towns which may be designated as Gaeltacht Service Towns was published in December 2014, with priority being given to Galway City, Letterkenny and Daingean Uí Chúis. The full list of towns is as follows: County Donegal Mayo Galway Kerry Cork Waterford Meath Town Letterkenny An Clochán Liath Donegal Town Béal an Mhuirthead Castlebar Ballinrobe Galway City Clifden Daingean Uí Chúis Tralee Cahersiveen Cork City Macroom Dungarvan Athboy Navan Irish Language Networks Irish Language Networks are areas which have achieved a basic critical mass of community and State support for the Irish language. Recognition under the Act will be given to Irish Language Networks on the basis of language plans that will be agreed with the communities of the various networks in accordance with the prescribed language planning criteria. Foras na Gaeilge is responsible under the Act for supporting organisations with regard to the preparation and implementation of the language plans in the Irish Language Networks and expressions of interest from organisations in areas which could ultimately be designated as Irish Language Networks have recently been sought. It is hoped that organisations will be selected to prepare plans by the end of The latest progress reports by relevant Government departments on the implementation of the 20 Year Strategy are available at: 4

5 Aran LIFE The AranLIFE project is a demonstration project operating on the three Aran Islands over the 4 year period from The total budget for the project is 2,597,685 with 75% of the funding coming from the European Union s LIFE+ programme. The remaining 25% is being contributed by the following partners: the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Teagasc, the Heritage Council, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Galway County Council and Fáilte Ireland. 68 farms across the three Aran islands are participating in the project with the objective of developing and demonstrating the best conservation management practices of local farmers on the designated Natura 2000 sites on the islands. These sites are protected habitats for flora and fauna of European importance. The project is focusing on the farming activities on the islands within the Natura designated sites. It is harnessing local farming knowledge and experience with the scientific expertise of other project partners to overcome some of the challenges of island farming and to improve the conservation status of the designated sites. A team of three is working on the project and is based on the Aran Islands for the 4 years of the project. They will work with members of the farming communities on each of the islands over that period on a wide range of actions, both on the islands and in the wider community. Further information regarding the programme is available on DAHG s website or aranlife.ie. 5

6 Irish Language and Enterprise Development Centre Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, Co Kerry The Minister of State for the Diaspora, Jimmy Deenihan T.D., performed the official opening of the Irish language and enterprise centre, Lárionad Forbartha Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta, in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh on 26 June The new centre has an area of 1,400 square metres and will provide a range of Irish language based activities and courses. The centre contains a number of enterprise units, and offers valuable services and facilities for the local community. Almost 2m of the overall development cost of 3.5 million was provided by the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, while Údarás na Gaeltachta and Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne funded the remaining cost. Minister Deenihan said he was pleased that the State has made such a significant investment in this important Gaeltacht area. Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne and its subsidiary companies, Coláistí Chorca Dhuibhne and Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne, are located in the Lárionad. The development also includes an Irish language family support centre, preschool facilities and a public playground, as well as enterprise units which are owned by Údarás na Gaeltachta and available for lease to new businesses. The Comharchumann has a central role in the economic, social and linguistic development of the Corca Dhuibhne peninsula and is extremely proud of this development centre. The Lárionad will ensure that there is a permanent facility available in the area that will benefit the community, support the maintenance of the Irish language and provide employment for generations to come. 2,500 students will attend courses in the Lárionad this year, and these courses will be worth 7 million to the Corca Dhuibhne economy. This development now ensures that the business development needs of Corca Dhuibhne are catered for and will help attract more employment to the area. Gearóid Ó Brosnacháin, Bainisteoir, Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne. Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne has pioneered Irish language activities in the area for many years and this new centre will further strengthen and develop this work. In addition to capital funding, DAHG also provides current funding of some 0.5m to Oidhreacht Chorca Dhuibhne to organise a range of language planning initiatives. 6

7 Randox Teoranta, Dungloe The Government has given approval to an investment by Údarás na Gaeltachta of 5m in R&D grant assistance to be paid over a period of 5 years to Randox Teo in An Clochán Liath, Co. Donegal. This investment will enable Randox Teo to develop its facility at An Clochán Liath as a world class R&D centre of excellence for biochip technology and diagnostic equipment as envisaged under the company's strategy entitled Dungloe Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories Ltd, Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Joe McHughT.D., Anna Ní Ghallachair,Chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta and Dr Ciaran Richardson, Chief Research Scientist at Randox Ltd. Randox Teo was established in 2008 in An Clochán Liath. The company currently employs 85 people there and will recruit an additional 40 people by the end of Randox Teo is part of the global group, Randox Holdings Ltd, which is among the top 20 biochemical diagnostic companies in the world and is a global brand with its products being sold in over 145 countries. Welcoming this major investment, Minister McHugh said: "This decision shows the Government s commitment to consolidating employment in areas such as An Clochán Liath in order to sustain viable, rural communities and, in particular, to support the Irish language as the community language in a strong Gaeltacht area. In the context of the Government s Action Plan for Jobs 2015, which has a particular focus on regional development, I am particularly pleased to note that Randox Teo plans to have 125 employees in An Clochán Liath by the end of 2015 and that an employment target of 450 jobs will be reached by the end of 2020." According to Údarás na Gaeltachta, the development of Randox over the coming years will also see the company investing a further 25m in its operations in An Clochán Liath in the period up to 2020 and this will have further benefits for the whole North West region, particularly in the areas of engineering and life sciences. For more information visit 7

8 HELIPAD FOR TORY ISLAND Work has begun on the construction of a new helipad on Toraigh Island. Funding in the order of 250,000 is being provided by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to Donegal County Council for this development. The winter helicopter service to Toraigh is a vital service for the island community during times when ferry travel is difficult due to weather conditions. This new development will facilitate the provision of safer access to the island. Irish in the EU The Irish language was given full official and working language status in the EU from However, because of recruitment and resource concerns, temporary derogations were put in place to cover the period 2007 to 2011 and 2012 to A unanimous decision by the Council of the EU is required on whether to end, amend or extend the derogation from The Government places major importance on Irish becoming a full working language of the EU institutions and is committed to ending the derogation. The Government, however, is also conscious of concerns about the recruitment of sufficient numbers of Irish language translators, lawyer linguists and translation assistants and the resource implications during a period of adjustment by the EU institutions. It is in this context that the Government is seeking agreement at the Council of the European Union for a Council Regulation extending the derogation for another 5 years with a view to the derogation ending on 31 December An incremental approach to the provision of additional services is also being proposed so as to narrow the scope of the derogation in the interim period. NEW FUNDING ARRANGEMENTS FOR NON-GAELTACHT ISLANDS In recent years, funding for the development companies on the non-gaeltacht islands has been provided by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. Following changes to the funding model for local development companies earlier this year, the continuation of the work of these organisations was in doubt. Arising from discussions that the Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Joe McHugh TD, had with Minister Alan Kelly and Minister of State Ann Phelan at the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, agreement was reached regarding the funding of these development companies. As a result, funding of over 300,000 has been secured between both Departments to ensure that there will be no reduction in funding for the organisations in comparison with Comhar na noileán Teo will be responsible for administering the fund in In tandem with this approach, the Government is also taking significant steps to create the circumstances in which a sufficient number of qualified graduates are in place to meet EU recruitment needs. Following a review of the Advanced Irish Language Skills Initiative which is funded by DAHG, new arrangements for relevant third-level courses are currently being implemented by DAHG in conjunction with the Department of Education and Skills and the Higher Education Authority. These new arrangements, which include an increased focus on competence in 3 official languages, will be in place in the third-level institutions from autumn These arrangements are aimed at improving the success rate in EU recruitment competitions and at better equipping graduates for employment in the EU institutions. 8

9 Irish Language Learners Scheme Under the Irish Language Learners Scheme (Scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge), the Department provides assistance to Gaeltacht households which accommodate students attending Irish colleges in the Gaeltacht. This gives students the opportunity to gain natural fluency in Irish through their contact with native Irish speakers. Scéim na bhfoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge is an excellent example of sustainable cultural tourism in the Gaeltacht. These Summer Colleges, which have a central role in the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language, are vitally important to the Gaeltacht both economically and culturally. In recent years overall responsibility for the Irish Summer Colleges was assigned to the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the services being provided by the colleges and the households accommodating the students are being constantly improved. These services include appropriate training, improved instruction and enhanced safety and security measures. There are clear and robust child protection procedures in place in Irish summer colleges and in households accommodating students. In addition the Department, in cooperation with Comhchoiste Náisiúnta na gcoláistí Samhraidh (CONCOS), the umbrella organisation for the colleges, assists with the training and coaching of college employees with regard to the implementation of Children First guidelines, both County Donegal Families inside and outside the classroom, and in the households where the students are accommodated. Safety measures in all recognised households under the scheme conform with the standards laid Mayo 37 down by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government. Scholarships are provided from time to time by various Irish language, cultural Galway 337 and sporting organisations, as well as several local authorities, to assist Kerry Cork students wishing to attend an Irish Language College in the Gaeltacht. Some of the Irish colleges themselves also offer scholarships. Waterford Meath 11 9 The report entitled Tionchar na gcoláistí Gaeilge ar an Teanga agus ar Phobal na Gaeltachta contains an analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities Total 613 and threats relating to the Irish colleges in the Gaeltacht. ( The findings of the study which was published earlier this year are mostly positive regarding the impact of the Irish colleges. The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will be examining the report s conclusions, in cooperation with the Department of Education and Skills, in the context of future policy with County Donegal 2014 Learners 4,293 Payments 659, regard to the Irish colleges. In addition, the Department will be engaging in discussions with CONCOS regarding the report's recommendations, including ways to improve access to the Irish colleges. Mayo 3, , Galway 11,209 2,137, Kerry 1, , Cork , Waterford , Meath , Non Gaeltacht Colleges , Iomlán 22,236 3,582,654 Thank you Rann na Feirste for the best years of my life. A note left by a student after spending four summers in Coláiste Bhríde, Rann na Feirste. 9

10 Ionad Óige na héireann, Dromree Traic Ó Braonáin, Michelle Ní Ghialláin, Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Joe McHughT.D., and Caitríona Ní Cheallaigh in Ionad na hóige, Dromree. The Minister of State, Joe McHugh T.D., received a very warm welcome when he visited Ionad Óige na héireann, Dromree on 14 July This youth club set up in 2011 comes under the umbrella of Coláiste na bhfiann, which was established almost 50 years ago so that students attending Irish language summer colleges would have the opportunity to practise their Irish during the year outside of the classroom situation. Coláiste na bhfiann is one of the 6 lead organisations appointed by Foras na Gaeilge to promote the Irish language on an all-island basis. Its main focus is on developing networks and opportunities for young people to speak Irish in a welcoming environment that encourages a positive attitude towards the language. It's evident that this work is going from strength to strength with over 3,000 young people already attending 62 Youth Clubs countrywide on a weekly basis under the auspices of Cumann na bhfiann. The Minister praised the wide range of enjoyable activities organised by Cumann na bhfiann throughout the year in addition to providing training for all the supervisors. He said that Ionad Óige na héireann Dromree and the other clubs around the country provide the opportunity for young people to develop their own particular interests through the Irish language. He emphasised the importance of providing social and contemporary opportunities to keep the Irish language alive and well among the youth. The Minister's key message for the audience in Dromree was that almost everyone in Ireland has, at the very least, some Irish words, - Dia dhuit - Más é do thoil é - Go raibh maith agat - Tá fáilte romhat - Ná habair é - Dún an doras - Suí síos - Bí ciúin - Slán abhaile and he recommended that these phrases be used by all on a regular basis both in conversation and through the powerful platform of social media. 10

11 Coláiste Uisce - County Mayo A grant has been approved by DAHG to enable Coláiste UISCE, An Eachléim, Co. Mayo, to run an Irish course again this year that is specially tailored for Gaeltacht teenagers and those with a high standard of Irish attending the country s Gaelcholáistí. The main objective of this course will be to develop language leadership skills among the participants. More information is available from the college at eolas@uisce.ie. NEW POLICY PROPOSALS FOR GAELTACHT EDUCATION A discussion document, Policy Proposals for Education Provision in Gaeltacht Areas was launched on 5 May 2015 by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O Sullivan TD, and the Minister of State for Gaeltacht Affairs, Joe McHugh TD. The proposals are intended to strengthen Irish-medium education in the Gaeltacht as part of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language. The proposals suggest that a range of measures should be introduced to ensure that students receive a high quality Irish-medium education in Gaeltacht schools. The proposals also suggest the provision of additional resources. These could include language supports for native speakers, improved teaching resources and professional development for teachers and principals, and a curriculum relevant to native speakers. The proposals have been shaped by major research studies on the experiences of Gaeltacht schools and minority language contexts globally, such as in Wales, Scotland, New Zealand, the Basque country and Canada. The Department of Education and Skills has been undertaking a widespread consultation process in advance of the final policy being forwarded to Government for approval. Contact Details for DAHG 23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2 D02 TD30 Na Forbacha, Co. Galway H91 KX39 New Road, Killarney, Co. Kerry V93 A49X Páirc Gnó Ghaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal, F92 AK61 Press & Information Office press.office@ahg.gov.ie Contact Us: (01) LoCall (091) / LoCall (064) LoCall ) (01) / (01) press.office@ahg.gov.ie (01) / (091)