Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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On foot of the consultation process conducted in 2014, 16 towns were identified as potential Gaeltacht Service Towns contingent on language plans being agreed with the local communities in accordance with the prescribed language planning criteria under Acht na Gaeltachta 2012.

Of those 16 Gaeltacht Service Towns, to date, 9 language plans have been approved and are being implemented in the towns concerned. The following towns have had their language plans approved and have been recognised as Gaeltacht Service Towns:

• Leitir Ceanainn
• Daingean Uí Chúis
• Cathair na Gaillimhe
• An Clochán Liath,
• Trá Lí
• Caisleán an Bharraigh
• Dún Garbhán
• Cathair Saidhbhín
• An Clochán

Following appointment, each lead organisation is given a two year period in which to prepare a plan for submission to the Minister for approval.

Gaeltacht Service Towns play a significant role in the provision of public services and recreational, social and commercial facilities for the public in the language planning areas they serve. As a result, these towns have a significant and positive impact on the status of Irish as a community and family language in Gaeltacht areas.

The process of preparing plans has been initiated in relation to Baile an Róba, Béal an Mhuirthead and Cathair Chorcaí. Of these, the language plan for Baile an Róba has been completed and submitted to the Department for evaluation.

The preparation of plans has yet to begin in relation to the following towns: Baile Dhún na nGall, Maigh Chromtha, Baile Átha Buí and An Uaimh.

Gaeltacht Service Towns are allocated a budget of up to €20,000 for their preparation and an annual budget of €96,000 over seven years to support their implementation.