‘Gaeltacht would disappear’ if 80% cutbacks were imposed

THE Gaeltacht will disappear within five years if proposed Government cutbacks of 80% are implemented, it was warned yesterday.

Organisations from Gaeltacht areas, including Cork and Kerry, have joined forces to oppose the cuts, which would reduce spending through the Department of Gaeltacht Affairs from €149 million, in 2008, to €30m, in 2016.

Gaeltacht community-based co-operatives and local development companies are opposing the cuts. They would be the largest reduction in any government department, according to Gaeltacht co-ops joint committee chairman Gearóid O Brosnacháin.