Loss of Irish Colleges devastating for Gaeltacht economy

One of the Mná Tí impacted by this week’s announcement that Irish language courses are to be cancelled this summer as a result of Covid-19 has warned that there will be a “huge impact” on the rural communities where the colleges are located.

This comes amid calls on the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to ensure that money already budgeted for grants to Mná Tí should still be allocated to provide supports for those who normally provide the service.

Máirín Uí Thuairisg, an Indreabhán Bean an Tí, told the Connacht Tribune that it wouldn’t simply be the colleges and those who host students every year that would be at a loss, but entire communities who rely on visitors each summer to keep the local economy going.

Ms Uí Thuairisg, who has been looking after students taking part in Coláiste Samhraidh at Coláiste Lurgan for over 40 years, said their local college had taken the decision to cancel courses ahead of the Government announcement – something she believed was the right thing to do.

“I have to say, the priority is the health and safety of the students and we feel Coláiste Lurgan made the right decision to cancel courses this year.

“This will affect not only the Mná Tí, but also the shops, factories and all businesses, and it will affect all Gaeltacht areas,” she said, adding that B&Bs and hotels from Galway City right out to the Aran Islands would be hit hard by the loss of visiting parents.