Louth County Council has announced a new scholarship scheme with 10 scholarships worth €300 each being made available to second-level students living in Louth attending residential Gaeltacht Irish Language Courses in 2025.
This initiative, which forms part of Louth County Council’s Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations, marks a significant step in the local authority’s commitment to promoting the Irish language.
The successful applicants will be announced during Seachtain na Gaeilge, which takes place from 1st March to St Patrick’s Day. Selection will be made through a draw, and applications are welcome from students of any level of Irish, provided they are enrolled in a Gaeltacht course in 2025.
Scholarship funds will be paid to the parent or guardian of the student, and recipients must provide proof of confirmed booking/payment to a Gaeltacht college. The closing date for applications is 4.30pm on Wednesday 5th March 2025.
Louth County Council intends to hold a special Seachtain na Gaeilge ceremony in County Hall on Wednesday 12th March 2025, where the selected students will receive their scholarship and a certificate from Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Kevin Callan, and Louth County Council Chief Executive, David Conway.
Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Kevin Callan, emphasised the significance of the initiative, stating: “This is a historic moment for Louth County Council as we launch our first-ever Gaeltacht Scholarship Scheme. The Irish language is a cornerstone of our heritage, and through these scholarships, we are ensuring that young people in Louth have the opportunity to engage with and strengthen their connection to it.”
Louth County Council Chief Executive, David Conway, echoed this sentiment, saying: “We are proud to introduce this scholarship scheme, which reflects our commitment to fostering and supporting the Irish language. By providing these opportunities, we hope to inspire a new generation to embrace and celebrate the language in their daily lives.”
This initiative is part of Louth County Council’s wider efforts to support the Irish language and is backed by the Irish language and Creative Ireland programmes.
How to Apply
Parents, guardians and students must complete an online application form available at the following link:
https://consult.louthcoco.ie/en/content/scol%C3%A1ireachta%C3%AD-gaeltachta-2025
The deadline for applications is 4.30pm on Wednesday 5th March 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
For more information, please contact Susan Deery, Irish Language Officer at susan.deery@louthcoco.ie or 042 9335457.
Successful applicants will be informed, following the random draw which is scheduled to take place on Friday 7th March 2025.
