Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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246. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the roll-out of all Gaeltacht language planning areas and Gaeltacht service towns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47933/21]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The Language planning process is being rolled out under the Gaeltacht Act, 2012. Údarás na Gaeltachta is charged with facilitating the implementation of the process in Gaeltacht language planning areas and Gaeltacht Service Towns located within the Gaeltacht while Foras na Gaeilge have similar responsibility for the implementation of the process outside the Gaeltacht.

Of the 26 Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas, 24 language plans have been approved to date. Language Plans in respect of the remaining two areas: An Gaeltacht Láir and Oileáin Árann are currently being evaluated by my Department. It is expected that all 26 will be approved by year-end which will represent a significant milestone in the process.

18 Language Planning Officers and four Assistant Language Planning Officers are currently employed across the Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas.

To date, language plans for four Gaeltacht Service Towns have been approved under the process, namely, Letterkenny, Daingean Uí Chúis, Galway City and An Clochán Liath. My Department is also currently evaluating the language plan for Tralee, Co Kerry. The process of preparing language plans is also underway for the following Gaeltacht Service Towns: Dungarvan, Cahersiveen and Cork City.

I should also point out that language plans have been approved for the Irish Language Networks of Clondalkin, Ennis and Loughrea.

It is anticipated that Foras na Gaeilge will shortly be in a position to commence the process to select suitable organisations to undertake the preparation and implementation of plans in respect of both Clifden and Ballinrobe.