Galway County Council has confirmed it is unable to hold a forum on planning in Connemara - because its staff is unable to speak Irish. The disclosure is the latest crux to emerge as local authorities struggle to fulfil their obligations to use the language.
Last month Clare County Council spent €30,000 on translating copies of a development plan, and there was considerable opposition last year when all placenames in Gaeltacht areas were changed to Irish.
The fact that neighbours of Minister for Gaeltacht Affairs Éamon Ó Cuív are now unable to avail of a planning service because of language constraints will reignite the debate.
The council has set up a number of pre-planning clinics around the county, essentially forums where applicants can be given general information about whether their application will be successful. Clinics have been held in Loughrea and Ballinasloe.
Director of services Paul Ridge told a council meeting they were reluctant to conduct a forum through English in a Gaeltacht area. There is no legal obligation on the council to provide the service in Irish.
Independent councillor Seosamh Ó Cuaig, who raised the matter, said the situation was ridiculous. He said people in Connemara were being deprived of a service.