At a special ceremony today, 102 students who completed academic programmes with NUI Galway's Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal, were conferred with Dioplomas.

At the event, NUI Galway President Dr. Iognáid Ó Muircheartaigh said that he was delighted to be back in Gaoth Dobhair for the third year running at the conferring ceremony. "Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge and NUI Galway are providing courses in communication, computing, Irish, translation studies and folklore in Gaoth Dobhair. These disciplines are particularly relevant to the social, cultural and economic development of the Gaeltacht. As a result of the development in Ionad Ghaoth Dobhair and the courses being provided, the University is placing a particular emphasis on creating a positive attitude in relation to the Irish language as a major development resource in the Gaeltacht."

Éamonn Mac Niallais, Administrator of Ionad Ghaoth Dobhair said that Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge is providing Diploma courses in Gaoth Dobhair and in other centres in the Northwest for the past four years and that it was now time to progress further.

"Next year the first fulltime university course will commence in Ionad Ghaoth Dobhair – B.A. sa Riarachán Gnó. This is a four year course and the aim is to train graduates and provide them with the practical and analytical skills needed to work in a bilingual business and administration environment."

In recent years there has been a dramatic increase in the employment opportunities that are available in organisations functioning through the medium of Irish, in the Gaeltacht and outside of the Gaeltacht. The provision of this degree is a significant development for the Acadamh in the Northwest, as well as a great opportunity for the local people of the Gaeltacht to attain a university degree and extra employment opportunities in their own area.

Further information about the B.A. sa Riarachán Gnó or other courses provided by the Acadamh can be attained by contacting Ionad Ghaoth Dobhair at 074 9531919 or forwarding an email to gaothdobhair@oegaillimh.ie

Ends