The housing crisis in rural Ireland is now so severe it is now “just not possible” for families to bring their children up in the Gaeltacht, Conradh na Gaeilge has warned. 

A new analysis by Tuismitheoirí na Gaeltachta (Gaeltacht Parents) found that the number of families raising their children through Irish in the Gaeltacht continues to fall. 

In the 2016 census, 15.8% of families were raising their children as Gaeilge; however, by 2022 the number had dropped to 15.2%. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, Conradh na Gaeilge spokesperson Aodhán Ó Deá said the housing is at the root of the problem. 

“You kind of almost have to take the Gaeltacht situation away from this national revival we're seeing because of the housing crisis going on in Gaeltacht areas, essentially,” he explained. 

“The rise of Airbnbs, where there's an 88% increase in Airbnbs in the last six years in Gaeltacht areas compared to a 48% increase nationally.

“What we're seeing is like five landlords, for example, that have over 217 Gaeltacht properties and they've no interest in the language.” 

The village of Dún Chaoin in Kerry. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Mr Ó Deá added that this has made it “impossible” to rent in the Gaeltacht for many people who would love to live there. 

It has compounded a crisis that has been generations in the making. 

“Historically, I suppose, there was a lack of support there for early years and community supports,” he said. 

“Making sure basic things like creches and playgroups and various things like that were available and basic services were available in those areas through Irish to support parents.”

Housing on the Dingle Peninsula. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Despite this, Mr Ó Deá continued that nationally there is a “huge interest” in Irish with 600 on the waiting list for Conradh na Gaeilge’s next term of classes. 

“Personally, I bring up my own kids in Irish - I live in Dublin - and I've never seen as many people kind of getting involved with that in shops and cafes and things,” he said. 

“And that's definitely even changed over the last few years. 

“Within 100 or 200 metres of where I live, I'd know maybe three or four different families that are bringing up their kids in Irish.”

A sign in welcoming people to the Gaeltacht. Picture by: Alamy.com.

Mr Ó Deá urged the Government to do more to ‘recognise’ this love for the Irish language and do more to support Gaeilge. 

“What can we do? Where are the ambitious targets like we have in Wales, where they're talking about doubling the amount of Welsh medium education? 

"We just don't have those targets in Ireland,” he said. 

“And in terms of the Gaetacht, it really hasn't been made a priority to say, ‘This is vitally important for the future of the language.’ 

“So, we have that, that tobar [well], that central area of people who speak the language.

“And how can we support that? How can we make sure it's possible for young people who want to bring up their kids in Ireland to stay in those areas? 

“Because at the moment, it's just not possible.”

Main image: An Irish speaking primary school child at protest calling for an Irish Language Act in Derry. Picture by: Alamy.com.