Minister Dara Calleary launched the Castlebar Gaeltacht Service Town Irish Language Plan last Friday 23 May 2025 in the Ellison Hotel in Castlebar.
At the launch of the plan Minister Calleary said
“I would like to commend Gnó Mhaigh Eo – the head organisation for Castlebar Gaeltacht Service Town and everyone involved in bring the Language Plan for Castlebar to fruition. As with all the Language Plans already being implemented opportunities are now available to the community of Castlebar to be involved in the effort to ensure that the Irish Language can develop and grow for the future generations to come.”
Gnó Mhaigh Eo were appointed as the lead organisation for the Language Planning Process in the town in 2018. The organisation worked in conjunction with the advisory committee which consists of members of community groups and other local representatives and Dr Hugh Rowland, University of Galway to write the Language Plan. The plan was authorised by the then Minister of State, Jack Chambers in 2022.
A Language plan was written for the town for the purpose of providing Irish Language public and social services for residents of the town and the surrounding Gaeltacht communities including Dúiche Sheoigheach, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Acaill and North Mayo. Measures in the plan include the establishing a Cultúrlann and an Irish Medium secondary school.
Máire Ní Fhearraigh has recently been appointed as the Language Planning Office to implement the Irish Language Plan for Castlebar. While announcing the appointment Niamh De Búrca, CEO Gnó Mhaigh Eo said that this appointment will greatly benefit the future of the Irish Language in Castlebar and surrounding areas. She said
“This Irish Language Plan aims to provide opportunities for the Gaeltacht communities in Mayo and for the community in town itself to use the Irish Language in Castlebar. This appointment is a huge boost for Language in the county. ”
Máire Ní Fhearraigh is a native of Gaoth Dobhair in County Donegal which is a Gaeltacht community in which Máire was educated and also where her love of her native tongue, her love for culture and heritage evolved. Máire has been residing in Castlebar for a long number of years. Máire siad
“I very much look forward to this post of Language Planning Office in Castlebar and it is a great honour for me to be involved in the promotion of Irish in the town. What gives me the most pleasure is working with people to promote the Irish Language and culture. This is a great opportunity for the people of Castlebar. I feel honoured to have been appointed as an Irish Language Office for Castlebar and I look forward to working with Gnó Mhaigh Eo, the community and the Advisory Committee.”
The aim of the seven-year Irish Language Plan is to promote and increase Irish Language awareness and usage in Castlebar.
More News You Might Like
