Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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An Interdepartmental Group (comprising my Department, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, and Údarás na Gaeltachta) is still continuing its work in developing specific planning guidance for Gaeltacht areas. There is also a separate Working Group made up of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the relevant local authorities with Gaeltacht areas.

At the Interdepartmental Group meeting of 15 December 2022, it was agreed that the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts Gaeltacht, Sport and Media would commence a study in 2023 on the methodology and format for Linguistic Impact Statements as a key elements of future planning guidelines for Gaeltacht areas. This study was subsequently commenced in February 2023. Initial proposals have been received from consultant, whose work is nearing completion, and this is informing the draft of planning guidelines for Gaeltacht areas. Several Interdepartmental Group meetings took place in 2023 and bilateral Departmental engagement is ongoing.

The draft planning guidelines for Gaeltacht areas are currently being finalised for my review in the first instance and then mandatory screening under EU law for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), as well as for the purposes of Appropriate Assessment (AA). It is intended that, subject to the outcome of the screening exercises, that draft guidelines will then be published for public consultation.

All local organisations in Gaeltacht areas and members of the public including language groups will be able to submit their views on the draft during this consultation phase for the consideration of my Department.

It is my intention to publish these Guidelines as soon as possible, having regard to the need to consider the complex matters involved and further to engagement with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.