Language organisations have called for supports for Gaeltacht communities after the Government announced Irish summer courses were being cancelled in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Conradh na Gaeilge says the decision, while necessary, will have significant consequences.
Thousands of students attend courses in Gaeltacht areas each summer, generating an estimated €50m for the local economies,
Among the colleges forced to close their doors as a result of the crisis, is Coláiste Chonnacht in An Spideal, County Galway.
The former director of the facility, Sean Ó'Neachtain, said it was the first time in 110 years that courses would not be held at the college.
As well as the break in long-standing service, the move will also impact on households that accommodate students, and reduce income for local shops and restaurants, as well as transport providers who ferry teenagers to and from their lodgings each day.
The federation that represents the sector, Comhchoiste Náisiúnta na gColáistí Samhraidh, says it wants a financial aid package from the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht for the Irish Colleges themselves and for the Gaeltacht families who act as Bean an Tí.
The organisation says that colleges have already made a significant investment in preparation for summer 2020 courses.
Conradh Na Gaeilge will meet the Minister of State for the Irish Language on Wednesday to outline its concerns.
It says the decision to cancel classes will have a far-reaching effect on the entire Gaeltacht.
An estimated 27,000 students attend one of the 42 colleges around the country each summer.
The majority are located in Galway and Donegal, but there are smaller operations in places like Kerry, Cork, Mayo, Meath and Waterford.
