There have been calls for increased supports to deal with a shortage of accommodation for those wanting to attend language courses in the Gaeltacht.
The body representing almost 50 Irish colleges says enhanced funding and better incentives from the Department of the Gaeltacht are needed, to ensure the sector continues to operate into the future.
Comhchoiste Náisiúnta na gColáistí Samhraidh (Concos) made the call following a 30% reduction in the number of homes being made available to students since 2018.
Figures obtained by the Iniúchadh TG4 programme show the number of families housing students dropped from 712 in 2018, to 495 last summer.
The timeframe takes in 2020 and 2021, when Gaeltacht colleges were closed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The shortage is having significant knock-on consequences for the provision of courses this summer, with most booked out well in advance and lengthy waiting lists for cancellations.
And there are also sizeable economic impacts for the communities that depend on the millions of Euro that colleges and their students bring into areas along the western seaboard, and elsewhere.
Maria Nic Dhonncha, of Concos, said the drop in the number of "mná tí" meant that there were no places available on courses this summer and little likelihood of the situation improving.
She is hopeful that there will be new entrants in the coming years but predicts that it will take some time to bridge the gap that now exists between demand and supply.
The Department of the Gaeltacht pays a €12 subsidy per student per night to those offering bed and board. This is augmented by a separate payment, from each of the colleges, to families.
Eilís Ní Lochnáin, who's been a Bean an Tí in Leitir Mór for over fifteen years, says she loves the role but has noticed a huge jump in the costs involved.
Ms Ní Lochnáin takes second and third level students who attend classes locally each year.
While the task is intensive and demanding, she says she gets great enjoyment out of meeting young people and seeing how they develop and bond during their time in the Gaeltacht.
She points out the ripple effect the students have on each area they travel to, with shops, cafes, restaurants, bus drivers and other accommodation providers all benefiting from the income the colleges generate.
Tomorrow night's Iniúchadh TG4 documentary examines the situation facing Irish colleges because of the shortfall. It will be broadcast at 9.30pm.
The Department of the Gaeltacht did not respond to queries on the matter today.
