BÁNÚ Urges Government Action on Gaeltacht Housing, Education Demand Soars
BÁNÚ urges the government to act on Gaeltacht housing, using Údarás na Gaeltachta's survey showing high demand, especially for self-builds. Concurrently, new research indicates a significant 23% rise in demand for Irish-medium education since 2015, prompting calls for government investment. Additionally, Conradh na Gaeilge seeks participants for its Gníomhaí Gaeilge mentorship, and Hugh Carr's new TG4 series on Irish festivals premieres June 4.
The BÁNÚ campaign group from Conamara Gaeltacht is urging Údarás na Gaeltachta to present its housing survey results to the government. BÁNÚ believes the Údarás should use these findings to secure funding for a Housing Section, addressing the housing crisis for Irish speakers in the Gaeltacht.
The survey reveals that many people aged 25-44 want to live in the Gaeltacht if housing is available, with nearly half preferring to build their own detached homes. BÁNÚ proposes that the government empower Údarás na Gaeltachta to prepare serviced sites, selling them at a €30,000 discount under the ‘Ready to Build’ scheme. As Galway County Council is not utilizing this scheme, BÁNÚ requests the Minister for Housing recognize Údarás na Gaeltachta as an agency capable of developing serviced sites in Gaeltacht communities.
Separately, new independent research from Foras na Gaeilge, welcomed by An Foras Pátrúnachta, shows a significant increase in demand for Irish-medium education. 44% of parents would choose Irish-medium primary education, and 40% for secondary, a 23% rise since ESRI's 2015 study. This aligns with a Gaelchultúr and Údarás na Gaeltachta study where 49% would choose an Irish-medium school if locally available. Caoimhín Ó hEaghra, Secretary General of An Foras Pátrúnachta, states that demand far exceeds the Department of Education and Youth's recognition and calls for investment in new Irish-medium schools and a clear strategy.
Conradh na Gaeilge is seeking participants for its Gníomhaí Gaeilge mentorship scheme for 2026/27. This annual program, funded by An tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas, encourages third-level students to use Irish more confidently and actively, providing mentors and setting realistic goals. Interested students or dedicated mentors can apply at cnag.ie/gg.
Finally, Rann na Feirste star Hugh Carr will tour Ireland's largest community festivals in the new TG4 series, Croí na Féile, starting Thursday, June 4, at 8 pm. Carr will volunteer at festivals like Mela in Belfast, Cruinniú na mBád in Kinvara, and the Galway International Arts Festival, meeting creative individuals and stars such as Kneecap and President Catherine Connolly.