Minister Dara Calleary approves grant for Coláiste Bhríde, Rann na Feirste, Co. Donegal
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From: Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht
- Published on: 22 January 2026
- Last updated on: 22 January 2026
- Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, approves capital funding of €230,495 to complete renovation and fire safety works on the Irish language college in Rann na Feirste
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, announced today that he has approved a grant of up to €230,495 for Coláiste Bhríde, Rann na Feirste to complete renovation and fire safety works on this recognised college.
Coláiste Bhríde was founded in Rann na Feirste in the year 1926 to promote the Irish language among young people in the north of the country. More than 1,700 students attend the courses which are held there every summer, as well as third-level students during the academic year.
This grant was approved under the Community and Language Support Programme of Minister Calleary’s Department. Under this programme, capital funding is provided to Gaeltacht committees to build or renovate community and language facilities. The college’s accessibility and safety facilities will be improved with this grant, and the work funded will include new bathrooms for teachers, bathrooms for people with disabilities, a new alarm and emergency lighting system, and new doors, windows and ramps.
Commenting on the grant, Minister Calleary said:
“Coláiste Bhríde will be celebrating its centenary this year, and I am delighted, as Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, to be able to support them with these renovation works at the college. Summer colleges have an important role in the language planning process and large numbers of learners from across the country come to Rann na Feirste every year to attended Irish language courses.
“I am committed to supporting Gaeltacht communities in developing high-quality facilities which will revitalise communities and the language. I am certain that learners, young and old, who visit the area, along with the local community, will benefit from this college’s new facilities.”
Notes
This funding was approved under the Community and Language Support Programme, more information about which is available here: Community and Language Support Programme