NUI, Galway today announced plans for a €35 million Irish language institute (Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge), the first of its kind in the State.
The institute will be developed at the NUI Galway university campus and at three existing outreach Gaeltacht centres - Carna and An Cheathrú Rua in Co Galway and Gaoth Dobhair in Co Donegal.
It will pioneer the provision of third level education through the medium of Irish offering courses through Irish including many of the disciplines already provided in the Arts and Science Faculties of the university, said a spokeswoman for the university.
The institute will also engage in research, provide consultancy and be a centre of excellence for Irish language research and planning, in co-operation with other institutions.
The initiative is part of NUI Galway's strategy of creating an exemplary bilingual campus and is a main priority of the university's Strategic Plan 2003-2008.
A spokeswoman for the university said "an tAcadamh will be an Irish college within the university, providing courses 'as gaeilge' in areas such as communications, IT and translation"
"It will enable people in the Gaeltacht and Irish speaking communities to acquire skills and get diplomas and degrees through the medium of the language they speak in their daily lives."
The €35m initiative involves the restructuring of the existing Aras na Gaeilge-run Irish programme. At present, the institute provides masters and higher diploma programmes in translation studies and applied communications, as well as part-time and full-time courses in information technology, radio and television skills. It also provides a diploma in Irish in 22 centres throughout the country, attended by more than 850 students this year.
Last year Peadar Mac an Iomaire was appointed CEO of the Irish language institute.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative today, Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht affairs, Éamon Ó Cúiv said the institute is "vital for the continued promotion of the Irish language in Ireland. It will bring the university to the people and empower communities in a sustainable and meaningful way."