Clondalkin’s selection to become a Líonra – an urban Gaeltacht – greeted as ‘fabulous news’
By Brendan Grehan
CLONDALKIN HAS been selected to be a ‘Líonra’ or an Irish Language Network by Foras na Gaeilge. It is the only area in Dublin and Leinster to be selected.
Under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the Government announced their intention to develop the Irish language in communities outside of the core Gaeltacht areas. These areas would be called ‘Irish Language Networks’ or ‘Líonra Gaeilge’ and would in effect create urban Gaeltachts.
Brian Ó Gavin from Áras Chronáin welcomed the announcement as “fabulous news”.
He told The Echo: “Only five communities on the island have been selected, three in the Republic and two in the North of Ireland.” The application process comes in four stages and Clondalkin are now at stage three where they have to formulate a language plan.
Brian added: “It is great news. It recognises all the hard work that has been done by the people who have gone before and the people who are working at the moment. It will put down a road map for the development of Irish in the area.”
The announcement was also welcomed by local Minister Frances Fitzgerald. She told The Echo: “Tá áthas an domhain orm go bhfuil an ceádúnas tugtha do Mhuintir Chrónáin ‘Líonra Gaeilge’ a fhorbairt i gCluain Dolcáin.
“I am delighted that the go-ahead has been given by Foras na Gaeilge for Muintir Chrónain to develop a language plan that would see the creation of a ‘Líonra Gaeilge’ in Clondalkin.
“This brings the reality of a modern form of a Gaeltacht closer for Clondalkin and recognises the years of hard work and dedication by Muintir Chrónáin to promote and develop Irish as a living language.
“Since I was elected in 2011, I have had the honour to introduce my colleagues to Áras Chrónáin, most recently in April when Minister Joe McHugh met with Muintir Chrónáin in order to see first-hand the commitment they have to the future of Irish culture and language.”
Minister Fitzgerald paid tribute to the work that Muintir Chrónáin has done in developing the Irish language and culture in Clondalkin.
She added: “The founding motto of Muintir Chrónáin, ‘Gaeilge Lenár Linn’ (Irish in Our Time), has been brought a step closer today and I look forward to a bright future for the language in Clondalkin.”
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