Why not Gaeltacht estates in our cities?

THE Oireachtas sub-committee on the Gaeltacht will publish its findings by the end of the year.

All the talk currently in the Oireachtas in relation to this committee relates to ensuring that the Irish language remains the primary language in the Gaeltacht. Thankfully, Galetacht boundaries will be redrawn soon giving a more realistic map of the Irish-speaking areas. This will bring more realism to debates on the language and our Irish-speaking areas in the future.

However, there is one issue I do not hear any of the political parties talking about — the question of the Government setting up new Gaeltachtaí in our cities. Promoting the Irish language — or any minority language — is not rocket science. A complementary approach is needed and all avenues should be looked at.

In relation to new Gaeltachtaí all that is needed is for the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs to carry out a survey to see how many people would be willing to live in new Irish-speaking areas. New residential developments should be built on that basis of demand.

If, for example, 500 people in Dublin decided they wanted to live in a new Gaeltacht, then build one new housing estate strictly for Irish speakers.

A radical approach to the promotion of Irish is needed. Are our politicians up to the task or will they focus solely on assisting our small Gaeltacht areas?

Darren Mac an Phríora

Corrán Chaisleán Cnucha

Caisleán Cnucha

Baile Átha Cliath 15