The Government’s Chief Whip and the Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport, Jack Chambers . T.D. announced that his Department is now accepting applications from eligible Gaeltacht host families wishing to register for the first time to provide accommodation for the Irish language college system, and who wish to avail of the new increased €6,000 start-up grant.
Along with the almost 20% overall increase to the daily grant payable by the Department to accommodation providers already registered under the Department’s Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, this specific measure was recently announced in further support of the Irish language summer college system.
The purpose of this increased grant – which is worth up to €6,000 or 80% of the eligible cost whichever is less, is to encourage new eligible Gaeltacht host families to provide accommodation for students attending Irish language colleges.
An information page and application form are available here https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/62d79-earnail-na-gcolaisti-gaeilge/
In addition to specific costs in relation to fire mitigation equipment and fire assessment, certain furniture will also now be eligible under the revised scheme.
Minister of State Chambers said: “I am delighted that the Department is now accepting applications for the increased grant which is three times greater than before. On foot of this measure and the 20% increase I previously announced to the daily grant payable under the Dept’s Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoirí Gaeilge, I am satisfied that these practical actions will further support the Irish summer colleges sector.”