A three-year grant worth over €380,000 has been allocated to the Connacht GAA Council to continue to manage the Gaelic Games Programme in schools across Connemara.
The allocation is an increase of €34,747 on that which was announced in 2019 for the Galway and Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Gaeltacht.
Under the programme, instruction in football, hurling and handball skills will be provided through Irish in up to 47 schools for the next three years.
It is estimated that up to 612 school pupils will benefit from the programme administered by the Department in collaboration with Connacht Council since 2005.
Minister of State Jack Chambers, who announced the funding in Galway today said that the trainers employed under the Gaelic Games Programme are doing great work to the benefit of the Irish language and the Gaeltacht community.
He said that with the announcement of this support, another practical step forward has been taken which will benefit both the policy for Gaeltacht education and the language planning process.
“It is also an indication of the partnership that has been going on for many years between my Department and the Connacht Council,” said Minister Chambers.
“As a result of this 3-year allowance, there will be stability and certainty for those involved in administering the programme and for those who benefit from it – between Gaeltacht schools, the Gaelic Athletic Association and the Gaeltacht community as a whole.”
Under the arrangements in place with Connacht Council and Munster Council respectively, the Councils foot the remaining 33% of the total cost of the programme.
