Two Letterkenny schools could be benefitting from a share of a €500,000 fund to employ language assistants.
Gaelscoil Adhamhnáin and post-primary school Coláiste Ailigh are among the schools identified for the scheme as part of Letterkenny’s language planning process.
The language assistants will be responsible for providing additional language acquisition and enrichment opportunities for students.
It is estimated that 27 schools located in seven Gaeltacht Service Towns and three Irish Language Networks could benefit from this scheme and it will create up to 25 part-time jobs.
The Glór na nGael organisation will administer the scheme, which will begin to be implemented immediately.
Minister of State O’Donovan said: “This is a huge step forward that is being taken as additional support for the successful implementation of the language planning process. That process – which is under the overall direction of the Department, is now in full swing in the Gaeltacht Service Towns and the Irish Language Networks that have been identified. It gives me great pleasure as Minister of State for the Gaeltacht to be able to do this. I strongly believe that the Irish language should be supported in this way.”
Lorcán Mac Gabhann, Head of Glór na nGael, said: “This scheme will definitely have a positive impact on the development of the language in the participating schools. It will be a great and valuable advantage for the communities in the Gaeltacht service towns and the Irish Language Networks. We look forward to working with the community committees, schools, parents and principals in these areas. This is another part of the language planning that connects with other Glór na nGael schemes such as Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha, Céimeanna, Gradaim Gnó na hÉireann, Teanga Tí agus Comórtas Náisiúnta Ghlór na nGael.”
