Ennis has officially been launched as an ‘Irish Network Town’ this morning.
The county town is one of just three areas in the Republic of Ireland to be designated with the accolade so far, which comes with over a half a million euro in funding over seven years.
Ennis, Loughrea and Clondalkin are Ennis is the only three towns this side of the border that were awarded the status “Irish Network Town” by the Department to implement a Language Plan in their region.
It involves €80,000 in annual funding for the next seven years to implement the plan.
Minister of State with Responsibility for the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers, visited Gaelscoil Mhichil Ciosog on the Gort Road this morning as part of a day of engagements to officially launch the initiative here.
He will visit Glor and Gaelcholaiste an Chlair later today.
Minister Chambers says Ennis’ traditional values mean it will be in a position to uniquely promote the language throughout the county town until at least 2028.
The Secretary of the lead organisation responsible for developing the plan has labelled the State as ‘negligent’ in its promotion of the Irish language to date.
The An Clar As Gaeilge initiative was established in 2002 to strengthen the language and its core values across this county.
Domhall O Loingsigh, who’s Runai of the organisation, says they want to ensure the funding sees the promotion of the language in all aspects of society in Ennis.
