THERE are renewed fears that Údarás na Gaeltachta, which has been responsibie for major developments in Connemara, may be phased out in the long term as part of the reeommended spending cuts.

And ironically it cornes at a time when the body is in a position to create some 250 new jobs in the Gaeltacht within the next couple of years - but at the moment a ban has been put on spendirig. Now there is serious concern that Údarás may cease to exist in the future if further spending cuts are imposed by the Govermment.

In fact the monthly meeting of Údarás was called off because no decision making could take place on the allocation of money because of the spending restriction that has been imposed.

Last month the Chief Executive of Údarás, Pádraig Ó hAoláin revealed that a directive issued by the Department of Finance prevented it from spending money on job creation projects.

And he also revealed that there was the potential to create up to 250 new jobs in the Gaeltacht within the next two to three years if the purse strings were relaxed. Now Cllr. Seosamh Ó Cuaig, who is a member of the Board of Údarás, said that there was no point in holding a meeting when no decision making could be made.

"If this is an example of how the Údarás are going to be treated in the long term, then it is only a matter of time before it becomes a body with no teeth which would be a monumental disgrace.

"It seems that the Govemmentis strategically removing anything that benefits the Gaeltacht areas and we have a minister who seems to stand idly by while all this is happening.

"First of ail they stopped Údarás spending a penny this year and now they are talking about closing down the Gaeltacht Department. It is undermining the whole of Connemara", Cllr. O Cuaig said. He said Údarás cannot sign off on any new job creation projects because ofthe spending restriction and there was no indication that this wouid be lifted before the year was out.

"The bottom line in ail of this is that Minister Ó Cuív has not delivered for Údarás na Gaeltachta and it is about time that accepted the vital function it has the development of Connemara.

"While there is a restriction in spending, it means that Údarás' main function is choked and that vital jobs will be lost to the region. A minister that can stand idly by and watch this happen should be ashamed of himself," Clir. O Cuaig added.

An Bord Snip has recommended that the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs should be closed down and its functions redistributed across various other Government departments.

DECLAN TIERNEY Cúradh Chonnachtach 24/7/2009

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