The first and only Gaeltacht outside of Ireland is officially launched in Ontario Canada.
In 2006 the Kingston based Cumann na Gaeltachta purchased 60 acres of land in south-east Ontario for €46,000 and plan to develop a Gaeltacht a designated Irish speaking region on the site.
Declan Kelly, the Irish Ambassador to Canada, was among the speakers at the official opening of the first and only Gaeltacht outside Ireland. Speaking to RTÉ News Declan Kelly describes the language as
A great treasure.
He also highlights the fact that the Irish language is now being taught in over fifty third-level institutions in Canada.
The new Gaeltacht project is being headed up by Aralt Mac Giolla Chainnigh, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at the Royal Military College in Canada.
Cumann na Gaeltachta plan to host their first Irish language week at the end of July.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 18 June 2007. The reporter is Áine Lally.
