Údarás na Gaeltachta have appointed Cwmni Iaith, a Welsh language planning agency, in conjunction with Dr. Tadhg Ó hIfearnáin, University of Limerick, to undertake sociolinguistic researchwhich will assess the potential impact the development of a modern cinema complex in Gaoth Dobhair may have on the Irish language and culture in the Gaoth Dobhair, Cloich Chionnaola and Rosa areas.
Kathryn Jones and Gareth Ioan, Cwmni Iaith, Wales, and Dr Tadhg Ó hIfearnáin, University of Limerick, together with Carmel Ní Bhriain, Research Assistant, have started the initial phase of this linguistic study in the Gaoth Dobhair area. A series of focus groups/ workshops will be conducted in the parishes above to consult with the community and seek their participation in this research.
Cwmni Iaith, is the leading language planning agency in Wales, and they have considerable experience and expertise in Language Planning consultancy in Britain and Europe, and Dr Tadhg Ó hIfearnáin, Senior lecturer in the University of Limerick, is a sociolinguist who has worked on many projects in the areas of language policy, ideology and practice.