Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

My Department works to support language networks right across the island of Ireland, including through the work of Foras na Gaeilge. In particular, the language planning process as set out under the Gaeltacht Act 2012 provides for the formal recognition of Gaeltacht service towns and Irish language networks as identified under the Act.

Gaeltacht service towns are towns in, or adjacent to, Gaeltacht language planning areas that play a significant role in the delivery of public services and leisure, social and commercial amenities to the community of those areas. Under the Act, a town must have a population of at least 1,000, according to the most recent census, to be included as a Gaeltacht service town. Recognition under the Act will be provided to Gaeltacht service towns providing language plans have been agreed with the communities concerned in accordance with prescribed language planning criteria.

Cork city has always had a vibrant Irish-speaking community with strong links to the Gaeltacht areas of the county and County Kerry. In this regard, the city has been short-listed, together with 15 other towns, as urban centres that may be accorded Gaeltacht service town status subject to language plans being developed in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

A broad range of schemes, supports and initiatives is already being deployed in support of the language in Cork city, as set out on my Department's website. Building on this, the most appropriate approach for my Department in providing structured support for the promotion of the Irish language in Cork city is being discussed by my officials with Foras na Gaeilge and with local stakeholders. The Aire Stáit and my Department will be happy to keep the Deputy informed as these discussions advance.

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