Funding approved by Minister Calleary for preliminary works on Irish Language Centre in Dublin City Centre
- Published on: 21 February 2025
- Last updated on: 24 February 2025
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, has today announced, while attending the Conradh na Gaeilge Ard Fheis in Wexford, that he has approved €3.2 million in funding for the Office of Public Works to commence the redevelopment of the Conradh na Gaeilge headquarters at 6 Harcourt Street in Dublin City Centre.
The aim of this project is to develop 6 Harcourt Street as a hub for the Irish language in Dublin, which will create a dynamic historical experience for the Irish-speaking community and tourists in the city.
This redevelopment aligns with a goal in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 for the development of a language and cultural hub in the centre of Dublin City.
Today’s grant has been approved for preliminary and planning works in order to be ready to seek tenders for the major development in 2026.
This venue will host Conradh na Gaeilge, Oireachtas na Gaeilge, Raidió Rí-Rá and Club Chonradh na Gaeilge.
The development will also include a new theatre and other facilities catering for the Irish language community and attracting tourists to visit this historic building.
It will be a valuable resource for the promotion of the Irish language and for Irish language events in Dublin City Centre.
Speaking on the matter today, Minister Calleary said:
“I welcome the significant step that has been taken in the process of redeveloping Number 6 Harcourt Street today. This project involves the preservation of a building of national historical significance.
“Since their establishment in 1893, Conradh na Gaeilge have played a central role in the revival of the Irish language and in providing significant cultural facilities throughout the country.
“This building has enticed the city and country’s Irish-speaking community for generations since Conradh na Gaeilge first took up residency in 1966.
“With today's announcement, the Irish-speaking community in the capital, throughout Ireland and indeed further afield can look forward to having a home in the Capital where they can be immersed in the Irish language.”
Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, Kevin “Boxer” Moran said:
“It is a significant step for the Irish language, that the Office of Public Works can help bring a building with such a rich history and deep connection to our native language to a modern structural standard while maintaining its historical significance.
“With today's announcement, I am confident that the promotion of the Irish language will continue here for many years to come. I wish all the relevant parties the best of luck in undertaking this worthwhile project.”
Regarding today’s announcement, Minister of State Jerry Buttimer said:
“This funding represents this government’s commitment to the Irish language and culture and marks a significant step in the rich history of this building.
“With this investment, I am confident that the language and the important work undertaken by Conradh na Gaeilge in the capital will continue into the future.”
The government's commitment to the delivery of this project is reflected in the various commitments given in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 under Project Ireland 2040 and in the Action Plan for the Irish Language 2018-2022 under the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030.
This investment will come specifically from the Irish Language Support Schemes Capital Programme for organisations located outside the Gaeltacht.
Notes
6 Harcourt Street is a four-floor above basement building built in the 1780s with a long history due to various factors:
- it was the home of Cardinal John Henry Newman – one of the founders of University College Dublin
- it was a training centre for prospective officers in the British army from 1860 to 1870
- it was the Sinn Féin headquarters between 1910 and 1922 and the headquarters of the 1918 election campaign
- it was where the Department of Finance Offices were located under the direction of Michael Collins during the War of Independence
- subsequently, other Irish Government departments were based there before the building was transferred to Conradh na Gaeilge in 1966
Arrangements are now being made to transfer ownership of the building back to the Office of Public Works and return it to Conradh na Gaeilge on a long-term lease.
The development of the proposal is specifically mentioned in various strategy documents, namely:
Outside the Gaeltacht, the department will continue its support for the development of Irish Language Networks and Gaeltacht Service Towns and will be focusing specifically on Irish language and cultural hubs in recognition of the growing demand for Irish language infrastructure. Among the most significant projects will be the Mol Gaeilge agus Cultúir on Harcourt Street, Dublin, in collaboration with Dublin City Council, Conradh na Gaeilge and other interested parties (p. 84).