Funding for the development of an Irish Language and Gaeltacht Development Centre, costing €3.4 million, on an Údarás na Gaeltachta site has been approved for Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, Co. Kerry. Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne Teo are involved in the partnership and funding of this project.
The development centre, which will be c. 1,400 square metres, will include offices and new facilities for Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne Teo; a family language support centre comprising new pre-school facilities and services; a training centre; and three Údarás na Gaeltachta enterprise units. A public playground will also be developed on the site, which is located on the outskirts of the townland of An Buailtín. Údarás na Gaeltachta will manage the building and development of the project which is due for completion before Autumn 2014.
Anna Ní Ghallachair, Chairperson of Údarás na Gaeltachta said, “The Board of Údarás na Gaeltachta is delighted to be in a position to approve €1.2 million in funding for this project and to be involved with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne in promoting this innovative development. This project is very important for the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht and the local community. Supports for language and early education requirements will be catered for, and modern training, enterprise and employment creation facilities will be provided to enhance and preserve the Irish language and the community. An tÚdarás has a specific role in the implementation of the Gaeltacht Act 2012 and the 20-Year Strategy of the Irish Language 2010-2030 and this development centre will underpin these functions in Corca Dhuibhne.”
Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne has an annual turnover of c. €3 million and pays 220 people during the year, the equivalent of 47 full-time jobs. The annual economic impact generated by the Comharchumann is c. €6.9 million.
“Comharchumann Forbartha Chorca Dhuibhne and its subsidiary companies have an important role in the development and preservation of the Irish language in the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht, as well as having a substantial impact on the local economy. These new facilities will allow the Comharchumann to develop further,” said Éamonn Ó Neachtain, Údarás Regional Manager. This development will enhance the number and standard of services available in the area, the community’s viability, and present employment preservation and opportunities in Corca Dhuibhne.