Irish Language Funding Surges by €23M, Advocates Call for More

UPDATE: Irish language advocates are responding to a €23 million funding boost announced in Budget 2026, but many warn it is not enough to address critical needs. The Department of Rural, Community and Gaeltacht Development will allocate this significant increase to support the Irish language and the Gaeltacht, alongside an additional €5.4 million for TG4, as confirmed by the government.

While the overall funding increase represents a 23 percent boost for the sector, advocates highlight that it falls short of the €55 million requested by Irish language groups to reverse cuts from the 2008 austerity measures. Julian de Spáinn, general secretary of Conradh na Gaeilge, characterized the budget increase as a “significant and positive starting point,” but cautioned that the €2 million allocated to Foras na Gaeilge is “not sufficient” to resolve the ongoing funding crisis facing Irish language organizations.

Authorities confirm that Foras na Gaeilge, the cross-border body responsible for promoting the language, has experienced a severe funding crisis over the past year. This situation threatens the viability of essential services that foster education and cultural engagement among Irish speakers. The organization operates under a funding model requiring a strict 75:25 ratio between Dublin and Stormont, meaning any increase from one jurisdiction must be matched by the other.

Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, president of Conradh na Gaeilge, emphasized the urgent need for clarification on the €2 million allocation. “Unless this funding structure is amended, Foras na Gaeilge will continue to be restricted from accessing the support it urgently needs,” he warned, underscoring the critical impact on language groups.

Last month, around 25,000 people participated in a protest march in Dublin, demanding government action on various issues affecting the Irish language community, including funding, education, and housing in the Gaeltacht areas. “The housing crisis in the Gaeltacht must be made a top priority,” Mac Giolla Bhéin stated, reaffirming the commitment to advocate for fair funding in future discussions.

Looking ahead, advocates plan to convene at the Oireachtas to discuss Budget 2026 and strategize coordinated actions to address these pressing challenges. As voices amplify around the funding needs of the Irish language sector, the call for more comprehensive support grows ever louder, highlighting the urgent necessity of addressing historical funding gaps.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.