Percentage of Irish speakers to get houses in Gaeltacht
The landmark ruling represents a scientific approach to the Government’s Irish language requirement for Gaeltacht housing.
It is based on Census figures of Irish speakers and the level of school grants for Irish speakers.
The planning authority will not, however, be applying these criteria to one-off Gaeltacht housing.
The ruling relates only to occupants of new Gaeltacht housing estates, not their owners or developers.
Ruling on two planning appeals in Galway and Kerry, the board has decided the number of houses to be reserved for Irish speakers will be linked directly to the percentage of people living in the area who already speak the language.
Dealing with a housing development in Furbo, west Galway, the board said yesterday 60% of occupants needed to be either fluent or have a command of the Irish language.
Granting planning permission to local businessman Tom Burke to construct 14 houses and six apartments, the planning authority stipulated six of the houses and three apartments should be reserved for Irish speakers.
Galway County Council wanted all the 20 housing units set aside for Irish speakers only. In a second planning appeal for a Ballyferriter, Co Kerry, development, the board said 75% of occupants needed to be either fluent or have a command of Irish. This means 15 of the 20 houses to be built by Southbound Properties of Ballinaboola, Dingle, Co Kerry, are specified for Irish speakers.
The board ruled in both cases the restriction on occupancy should remain in place for 15 years.
The planning authority says it will be a matter for the local councils to enter into agreements with builders in advance as to the percentage of new estates in Gaeltacht areas to be set aside for Irish-speakers.
Experts suggest local authorities may have to take legal action against developers, if necessary, to enforce the new ruling.
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