The Government hopes to more than treble the number of daily Irish language speakers by the year 2030, according to a major strategy paper published today.
The “20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language” outlines a multi-layered plan to provide a supportive framework and increase use of the language across the country.
An increase in the number of daily Irish speakers from 83,000 to 250,000 is the first of three core objectives detailed in the plan. The second goal is to increase the number of speakers who speak Irish on a daily basis in Gaeltacht areas.
The third aim of the strategy is to increase the number of people that use State services through the Irish language and can access broadcast and print media through the language.
The plan confirms that a senior minister and government department will continue to have central responsibility for Irish language affairs. It also envisages the development of county language plans for all counties with designated Gaeltacht areas, and the implementation of a major promotion plan for Dublin City and its environs.
Areas currently designated as Gaeltacht areas will be subject to linguistic criteria for the Gaeltacht set down in the new Act. Those that do not meet the criteria will cease to have Gaeltacht status. New areas may also be included in the Gaeltacht if they meet the criteria as defined in the new Act.
Údarás na Gaeltachta, the agency responsible for the development of economic, social and cultural development in Gaeltacht areas will be restructured as a new national Irish language agency.
The new agency, entitled Údarás na Gaeilge, will have responsibility for Irish language matters throughout the State, but will also retain many of its present functions.
Legislation will be prepared in order to place the new body on a statutory footing.
The paper, published today by the Department for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs was informed by an international panel of consultants with expertise on language issues.
Planning and Implementation of the strategy will be directed from a Strategy Unit within the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The plan will be subject to a review every seven years.
