A MAJOR shake-up of how the Irish language is funded could lead to the closure of Northern Ireland’s two biggest facilities in Belfast and Derry, activists have claimed.
Foras na Gaeilge –the organisation which oversees the promotion of the language across Ireland – has launched a consultation on plans to change its funding model.
However, the move could lead to a reduction in its annual grant aid to Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin in Derry and Cultúrlann Mac Adam Ó Fiaich in Belfast.
Irish language activists at the two facilities have warned it could even result in their closure.
Language activists have claimed any change from its current funding model could also leave Foras na Gaeilge in breach of its legal commitments under the Good Friday Agreement.
At present Foras na Gaeilge provides £223,000 in funding to the two centres.
Derry’s Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, which opened in 2009, was at the centre of the city’s hugely successful staging of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in 2013 while the Belfast centre has been the key driver of Irish language development in the city.
Chief executive at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Gearoid Ó hEara said the danger to the Derry and Belfast centres was very real.
He said Foras na Gaeilge wished to spread its language centre funding among other centres in the north when it should be providing additional funding so that all centres could benefit.
“They are going ahead with their consultation process on this and there is a real danger that it could lead to closures,” he said.
Foras na Gaeilge chief, Seán Ó Coinn said the review was aimed at fostering a “safe space” for Irish speakers in various areas.
“Irish language centres have a key role in encouraging opportunities for the Irish language community to use the language outside of their social environment and we would like to hear the public’s views on the best way to do that,” he said.
The issue will be discussed at a meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council tomorrow.
