Irish language plan approved for south Mayo town

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has approved Plean Teanga Bhaile an Róba. This is an important step in the language planning process in this Gaeltacht Service Town.

Annual funding of €96,000 is being made available for the implementation of the plan over a seven-year period, meaning that a total budget of €672,000 will be available for the implementation of the language plan.

Said Minister Calleary: “It is a cause for celebration that Plean Teanga Bhaile an Róba has been approved. I congratulate everyone - the community of Baile an Róba, the steering committee and Gnó Mhaigh Eo who worked on the plan.

“With the continued support of my department and Foras na Gaeilge for the plan and the overall work that is underway and planned, I am confident that institutions and organisations that are central to the promotion of the Irish language will work hand in hand to implement the plan.”

Located on the edge of the Gaeltacht, on the eastern side of Loch Measca, Baile an Róba plays a significant role in providing public, cultural, commercial and business services to the Gaeltacht community in Dúiche Sheoigheach and Tuar Mhic Éadaigh. The main aim of the plan is to foster and increase the knowledge and daily use of the Irish language in Baile an Róba gradually over the seven-year period of the plan in partnership with local people and local organisations.

This goal will be achieved by placing emphasis on various areas: education, culture, sport, recreation, public services and business.