Mná tí left in limbo on summer college plans

An official decision on whether Irish language colleges in the Conamara Gaeltacht can proceed this summer will be announced soon – but until then the county’s mná tí remain in limbo.

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport, and Media has engaged in a consultation process with colleges and accommodation providers – or mná tí. It issued guidelines earlier this month, which were developed by health and safety consultants on behalf of the Department.

They outline how the number of students that could be accommodated per household would be limited, subject to prevailing restrictions, in the event that courses do go ahead.

Under level one and two restrictions, students from three different households would be permitted to stay with mná tí, according to the guidelines. Under levels three-five no students would be permitted.

Minister of State at the Department, Jack Chambers said he was looking forward to working together with the households and colleges “to ensure the safety of all and the viability of this important sector over the months and years ahead”.

Galway Senator Seán Kyne, his predecessor, said he’d expect a decision to be announced in the coming weeks – but it remains up in the air and May and June are ‘doubtful’.

See the full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune, on sale in shops now – or you can download our digital edition from www.connachttribune.ie