Róisín Ní Chinnéide, spokesperson with Meitheal Náisiúnta Pleanála Teanga, spoke on Morning Ireland about the housing crisis in the Gaeltacht which is part of the national housing crisis affecting so many people.
Today, at lunchtime, outside Leinster House, a demonstration will take place with representatives from Conradh na Gaeilge, An Dream Dearg, Students' Union in Ireland who are demanding the right to build houses in family-owned sites in Gaeltacht areas. The linguistic impact on Gaeltacht communities is having a 'devastating' effect on vulnerable communities, where the language is already on unsteady ground.
Inconsistencies in what constitutes a 'local need' in local authorities have made applying for planning permission more difficult. One of the amendments that the group are suggesting to a planning and development bill is that the Irish language be identified as a 'local need'. Protection of the Gaeltacht is already in the legislation surrounding planning but Róisín says there are discrepancies around how this is implemented and this amendment would further support those who want to live in their local Irish language communities.
Labhair Róisín ar an gclár Adhmhaidin ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta faoi léirsiú
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Dúirt Ní Chinnéide go bhfuil líon na gcainteoirí Gaeilge ag titim de réir a chéile, dár leis an daonáireamh i gceantair Ghaeltachta agus go bhfuil tionchar nach beag ag na dúshláin atá roimh phobail Ghaeltachta tithe a thógáil agus cónaí ar a dtalamh féin sna Gaeltachtaí.
A lack of social or affordable housing, rental accommodation and the strict planning laws which do not take into the account the language issue have resulted in a mass exodus of young people in particular who would live in their local areas, if they could, Róisín says.
