DONEGAL County Council has taken a significant step in strengthening the Irish language competency of its staff.
The decision to establish the Council’s Irish Language Scholarship Scheme was made in light of the language obligations placed on the council under the Official Languages (Amendment) Act, 2021. The scholarship scheme is aimed at training staff to strengthen their language competence by spending a week in the Donegal Gaeltacht taking part in Irish language courses and events.
The council says it is aware of its statutory obligations under the Act, as well as the public’s right to conduct business with the local authority through Irish, particularly in offices located in Gaeltacht areas.
A scholarship awards ceremony took place at the County House, Lifford, on Tuesday morning, July 7, 2026. Leas Chathaoirleach na Comhairle, Cllr Terry Crossan, and Leas Chathaoirleach Choiste na Gaeilge, Cllr Martin Scanlon, presented scholarships to nineteen members of staff.
Cllr Crossan said it was a great honour to present the scholarships and congratulated each recipient in turn. “It demonstrates the council’s commitment to the Irish language,” he said.
Cllr Scanlon said a scholarship scheme of this kind is particularly important for both the council and the Gaeltacht areas of the county, given current pressures on Gaeltacht areas and the language itself. “Time spent in the Gaeltacht will strengthen staff’s confidence in engaging with the Irish language, which will in turn strengthen the use of Irish both within and beyond Gaeltacht areas,” he said.
Successful applicants will attend a week-long Oideas Gael course in Gleann Fhinne at the end of July and start of August, taking part in Irish language classes and events throughout the week.
Staff selected for the scholarship must undertake to complete the course and engage with Irish in the course of their work, ensuring value for money on the training.