Demand for Irish college dips 40%
Irish colleges in Cork, Kerry, Mayo, Donegal and Waterford are all reporting a substantial fall-off in interest in their three-week courses. All are blaming it on rising unemployment, wage cuts and a general fear of spending money.
Sending a child to Irish college for a three-week stay costs up to €850 for the course alone. Spending money will have to be provided also.
The association has written to the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs to inform them off the drop-off.
Gaelachas Teo runs the 15-day Coláiste Samhraidh course at Glanmire in Cork and the 22-day course at Coláiste Ciarán on Cape Clear Island. It said it is experiencing a 20-40% drop in interest.
Coláiste Baile an Fheirtéaraigh in Tralee said demand for its courses had also tumbled by up to 40%.
Coláiste Baile an Fheirtéaraigh Bainisteoir Gearóid O’Brosnacháin said the same collapse in numbers were being recorded across the country.
“It’s clear people have lost their jobs, don’t have the same disposable income or else they are scared for the future,” said Mr O’Brosnacháin.
All of the colleges say that the 1980s recession impacted on them hugely.
“I remember 1989 as being particularly bad and the early 1990s too. It all changed with the Celtic Tiger though. We had constant waiting lists.”
Gael Linn gaelcholáististi are run in Donegal, Cork and Mayo. They said numbers are down by 20% overall.
“Last year we were at usual levels but this year, unemployment and wage cuts really seem to be affecting disposable income,” said manager Raymond O’Ciarán.
