Irish-language protesters demand action on housing crisis in Gaeltacht areas

"People are leaving the area because they are unable to find or afford housing. There is also an influx of people who can afford those houses, people not from Gaeltacht areas, meaning there are fewer and fewer people in the area speaking Irish. I fear the day might come that there won't be many, if any, Irish speakers in the Gaeltacht—that'll be the death of the language."

"My family doesn't own any land—even if we did own land, it would be very difficult to get planning permission. The options to buy are too costly, and as far as renting goes, they are not there at all."

"As we're all very aware that the housing crisis is all around Ireland, but it's disproportionately affecting Irish speaking areas."

Campaign groups demonstrated outside the Houses of the Oireachtas to address the severe housing crisis affecting Gaeltacht communities. The shortage of affordable housing forces Irish speakers to leave these areas while wealthy non-Gaeltacht residents purchase available properties, reducing Irish language speakers. Young people like Domhnall Ó Braonáin cannot afford homes or obtain planning permission, facing limited rental options. Organizers emphasize the crisis disproportionately impacts Irish-speaking regions compared to other Irish areas. The protest occurred during Seachtain na Gaeilge and involved groups including Tintéan and Conradh na Gaeilge, demanding government intervention to protect Gaeltacht communities and preserve the Irish language.

Read at Irish Independent