Minister Calleary approves funding of over €250,000 over three years for Irish summer colleges umbrella organisation, CONCOS
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From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 7 August 2025
- Last updated on: 11 September 2025
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, today (Thursday 7 August) announced that he has approved funding of €254,270 for the Irish summer colleges umbrella organisation, CONCOS, over the period 2025 - 2027 to enable the organisation to implement its work programme.
Since its establishment in 1968, CONCOS has acted as an umbrella organisation for the summer colleges sector. The funding announced by Minister Calleary today will enable the organisation to undertake the activities set out in its work plan.
CONCOS campaigns on behalf of Irish language colleges and the umbrella group provides an ongoing advisory service to the sector in relation to child protection and fire safety matters in particular. The organisation also provides support to the over 500 families recognised under the Irish Language Learners’ Scheme who provide accommodation for students. CONCOS is also designated as the Garda Síochána vetting organisation for the sector.
Announcing the grant, Minister Calleary said:
“I am delighted that my department is in a position to provide funding for CONCOS over a further three-year period. My department invests over €6 million annually in the Irish language colleges sector through subsidies to recognised families under the Irish Language Learners’ Scheme. Without question, the Irish language colleges sector is vital for the future of the Irish language and the Gaeltacht. I was delighted to demonstrate the government’s commitment to the sector last week when I announced an increase, with effect from the beginning of this summer, in grants available to families and residential colleges providing accommodation for students. CONCOS has a central role as a stakeholder in the promotion of the sector due to the valuable and essential work undertaken by the organisation. I am, therefore, pleased that my department is in a position to support that work and the sector in general again this week. As we approach the end of this season, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate everyone working in the sector, the Gaeltacht families, the college communities, the bus drivers and the local communities and committees that provide facilities. Many local people and organisations participated in the successful season we had in the Gaeltacht this year and great praise is due to all involved.”