CATHAOIRLEACH of Coiste na Gaeilge, Councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig, has raised concerns over the lack of support available to potential occupants of new social housing developments, with up to 85 per cent required to speak Irish proficiently.
This condition is part of the County’s Development Plan, which imposes a language requirement on any planning permission for multiple residential developments of two or more dwellings in the Gaeltacht.
The important policy was developed to help halt the language shift away from Irish in Gaeltacht areas.
The new Radharc an Oileán development in Bunbeg predates the current County Development Plan, so only 75 per cent of occupants are required to speak Irish fluently.
11 units at Radharc an Oileán will be ready for allocation in the coming weeks.
However, in upcoming social housing developments, this requirement will increase by a further 10 per cent.
Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said he has great respect for the council for getting the condition over the line, but stressed that it is vital local people are given the opportunity to meet the requirements.
He said they should be provided with classes to learn or improve their Irish to reach the level of fluency required to secure a social home.
He also believes more should be done to highlight the language requirements for applicants, as he believes many are not aware of the condition.
Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig said Gaeltacht’s across the country are looking to Donegal County Council and how this is rolled out.
“It’s really important we get this right,” he said.
Upcoming workshop
Following a heated debate at a recent plenary council meeting on the conditions, it was agreed that a workshop with experts on the Irish language would take place to further discuss the requirement.
The meeting is scheduled for the end of March, and representatives from Conradh na Gaeilge, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and local language planning offices will be in attendance.
