Disappointment in Gaeltacht communities as government falls short with funding in Budget 2024

THE GOVERNMENT'S budget for 2024 has left many members of the Irish and Gaeltacht community disappointed, with funding for the Irish language and Gaeltacht areas receiving only a small increase, failing to meet the demands of more than 130 community groups.

Conradh na Gaeilge, an advocacy organisation for the Irish language, expressed their concerns, stating that the allocation represents a missed opportunity to fulfill the community's ambitious vision.

In the Budget 2024 announcement made this Tuesday, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports, and Media was granted an additional €9 million for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht, including TG4.

However, this increase amounts to just 0.17% of the exchequer, maintaining the same level as the previous year. This figure pales in comparison to the 0.4% of state spending requested by more than 130 Irish and Gaeltacht community groups in the Growth Plan, or An Plean Fáis.

Additionally, while the Budget included €4.8 million for TG4 and €4.2 million for Irish and Gaeltacht courses in 2024, community leaders argue that when adjusted for inflation, these amounts fall far short of what is needed to revitalize and preserve the Irish language and Gaeltacht culture.

Paula Melvin, President of Conradh na Gaeilge, expressed her concerns, calling on the government parties, Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, and the Green Alliance, to show greater ambition in supporting the Irish language. She highlighted the An Plean Fáis as a clear blueprint for realizing a new vision for the Irish language and Gaeltacht community.

While acknowledging the modest increase in funding for TG4 and certain schemes, Ms Melvin emphasised that more could have been done, and the opportunity to make a substantial impact was lost.

Ms Melvin pointed to the substantial allocation, over €4 billion, for the new Future Ireland Fund, contrasting it with the lack of ambition in funding for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht. She asked why the government did not seize the opportunity to provide the much-needed support for over 130 Irish and Gaeltacht organizations.

Julian de Spáin, Secretary General of Conradh na Gaeilge, added that they, along with other groups supporting An Plean Fáis would continue their efforts to lobby the government for more ambitious funding in the weeks and months ahead. Their goal is to secure proper funding and a level playing field for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht, ensuring the preservation and development of these vital components of Irish culture.