Putting mouth where your money is ... as gaeilge

HOUSE prices may leave you speechless but homebuyers with their hearts set on Co Galway could be tongue-tied by language rather than loot.

Anyone wanting to buy one of 18 apartments in the Gaeltacht village of Spiddal will have to put their mouths where their money is and convince the seller that they can speak Irish. Would-be occupants will have to prove their prowess by submitting qualifications recognised by the Department of the Gaeltacht or by presenting themselves for a half-hour interview as Gaeilge.

The condition of purchase was laid down in planning permission granted by Galway County Council for the 300,000-per-unit complex developed by local businessman, John Foye.