PLANS for a flagship new Irish language facility in West Belfast are in jeopardy due to a funding shortfall

February 8, 2025

0 381 3 minutes read

Based on the Whiterock Road, Glór na Móna’s current facility An Ghael Ionad, has built a reputation both nationally and internationally as a ground-breaking community hub for grassroots language regeneration, and Irish-medium youth work which has become a vital component of the burgeoning Irish language network across the city.

An Ghael Ionad facilitated significant growth and expansion in Glór na Móna’a community project delivery and necessitated the growing demand for a second phase capital proposal which aims to build and further develop their ambitious vision on the vacant council land adjacent to the centre.

The project, known as Croí na Carraige (Heart of the Rock) has secured £1 million funding but with phase one costing around £1.6m, time is running out to secure the additional funding needed to get the work started this year.

Feargal Mac Ionnrachtaigh, Director of Glór na Móna explained:

“We have planning permission to build a purpose-built youth, community and heritage facility on the site- Croí na Carraige.

“We have been successful in securing £1 million of capital funds, which includes £500,000 from Belfast City Council who own the land and have a design team in place.

“We also have funding from the Ciste, Irish Language Investment Fund and the Shared Island Fund.

“Phase One of the building is coming in at about £1.6m so we are £600k short.

“We originally got support from the from the Department for Communities when Deirdre Hargey was Minister when DFC supported our Feasibility Study and our two temporary porter cabins. In 2024, not only did we secure £500,000 from Belfast City Council but we were also successful in achieving match funding from an Chiste Infheistíochta and the Shared Islands funds.

“When council procured and appointed a design team in September following Croí na Carraige being granted full-planning approval, we were hopeful that DFC would match this funding. Instead, senior officials have said not to bother applying as there is no money. We had a recent visit from the Minister of Education, Paul Givan, and he said the same thing. We believe that the funding is there if the Minister Lyons makes it a priority.

“We are now at the stage where we need to start our own fundraising. I was in USA last week to start this process.

“We are at breaking point. The current facilities here are simply not big enough for our youth projects and the other pioneering Language organisations such as Fóram na nÓg and Fís an Phobail are based here. Its over 27 years after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and our young people are still being housed in porter cabins. It is simply not good enough.

“Work simply must begin in 2025 because there is limited time to use the capital funding we have already secured otherwise is in danger of being lost.

“We believe that this will be the flagship Irish language facility on the island of Ireland and it needs to be delivered and must be made a priority by the Minister’.

Emma Ní Mhuireagáin, Co-ordinator of Cumann Óige Uachtar Chluanaí, a youth organisation based at Glór na Móna’s current facility An Ghael Ionad said space was a major issue:

“The growth of the sector needs to be recognised. We have 150 young people every week operating out of a mobile hut is just not right.

“Croí na Carraige would allow us to have a purpose-built facility for young people and allow us to build on our work so far.”

Pádraigín Nic Mhathúna from Sólás na nÓg, also based there added:

“Our project is based on supporting young people with additional learning needs from Irish medium schools.

“We operate out of a portacabin and our sensory room is a storeroom in the back of cabin. The lack of facilities here and space are really hindering the needs and development of our young people.”