SDLP Communities Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has encouraged people to apply for the Líofa Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme.
The 2022 scheme opened for applications has now opened.
Said the Foyle MLA: “It’s great to see the Líofa Gaeltacht Bursary Scheme open for new applications, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic led to visits to the Gaeltacht being heavily curtailed or cancelled altogether over the past two years.
“It’s welcome that applicants who missed out in previous years will be able to attend this year with their place funded.
“As someone who visited the Gaeltacht in my own youth, I know just how beneficial and enriching an experience it can be.
“It allows people to come together and learn and develop their language skills on a daily basis, while immersing themselves in their culture, while also enjoying social pursuits and meeting people their own age from all over the island.
“It’s not just the young people who benefit from visiting the Gaeltacht.
“People in these areas look forward to welcoming people from across Ireland every year, it is an important part of their economy and will particularly welcome this year after a difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The importance of the Líofa programme can not be underestimated, as former Communities Minister Paul Givan learned to his peril when he attempted to use it as a political football.
“Since its inception it has allowed over 750 adults and young people to benefit from the experience of visiting an Irish-speaking community.
“Now we are beginning to emerge from the pandemic, I look forward to it continuing to go from strength to strength in the coming years.”
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