Corca Dhuibhne Housing Project to Address 1,600-Student Host Family Shortage

A community organization in Corca Dhuibhne is developing a new housing project to tackle a severe shortage of host families for Irish language students. Colaistí Chorca Dhuibhne, part of Comharchumann Chorca Dhuibhne, hosts approximately 1,200 students annually across five summer courses. This year, nearly 1,600 students are waitlisted for two courses, and 400 more seek spots on two others, a demand the Comharchumann cannot meet due to insufficient host family accommodation.

Páidí Ó Sé, manager of Comharchumann Chorca Dhuibhne, highlighted that a 2018 study predicted a decline in available beds from 550 to 370 within five years, potentially dropping to 289 or 159 in 5-10 years as current host families age out. To counteract this, the Comharchumann is building four houses, to be completed by year-end. Families residing in these homes must serve as host families, each accommodating 12-16 students, adding 48-64 students per course. Fifteen families have expressed interest, and if successful, more houses are planned.

Angela Uí Grífín, a host mother for 25 years, notes increasing costs and stricter requirements make hosting less profitable. She warns of a potential absence of host families within 20 years as older hosts retire and fewer young people take on the part-time role. The Department of Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht reported 533 active families in the Irish Language Learner Scheme in 2025, with a net increase of only 11 new families. The Department, which considers the Irish colleges sector primarily commercial, recently increased the nightly subsidy for host families from €14.50 to €16 and for residential colleges from €10.50 to €12, effective May 30, 2026. This marks a 60% increase for families and 140% for residential colleges since early 2022.