On Tuesday’s Morning Focus, Alan Morrisey was joined live in studio by Dónal Ó Loinsigh, Irish language enthusiast and presenter of Clare FM’s Cúl Chaint, Tomás de Butléir, Irish language development officer for An Clár as Gaeilge and MacDara Ó Conaola who is a native of The Aran Islands Gaeltacht residing in Ennis, and is an Irish Language facilitator, consultant, and promoter.
The Gaeltacht waiting lists are growing because of a surge of interest in those who want to speak Irish. Many students are left without spaces this year, with most courses from September to Christmas fully booked.
Dónal, Tomás, MacDara and Alan conversed on the issue and discussed possible solutions. MacDara spoke on the lack of accommodation provided due to the amount of Mná an Tí and Fir an Tí leaving the system.
Dónal highlighted the way the language is being taught to students and believes the methods of teaching have to be changed in order to increase its popularity.
Tomás outlined the immersion the Gaeltacht provides to those trying to learn the language.
You can listen to the full interview below.
