Big blow for students planning a summer trip to the Gaeltacht

No Irish language courses will be held in the Gaeltacht this summer, it has been announced.

The Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has confirmed this evening that the decision has been made due to COVID-19.

Although some Gaeltacht schools had cancelled courses in June, it was thought that classes in August may still go ahead.

The statement said: “Following consultation with health authorities and in the interests of protecting public health, having regard to the emergency measures being taken due to Covid-19, it has been announced by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht that no Irish language courses will be run in the Gaeltacht this summer as a result of Covid-19.

"It is recognised that this is an unusual, uncertain and challenging period and that this decision is a major blow to Gaeltacht areas and to the many thousands of students who had looked forward to attending courses over the summer. The health of our communities is the priority, however, and everybody has a role to play in the efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19."

Up to 27,000 students annually attend one of 42 Gaeltacht summer colleges. The Department provides a subsidy to the 700 qualifying Gaeltacht households who provide accommodation for students attending there Irish language summer colleges in the Gaeltacht.