ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the language issues that emerged in the formulation and implementation of a local development plan in an Irish-speaking area of the southwest of Ireland. Minority language areas may require the development of local capacity and the coordination of the work of different agencies, since they are often located in places where the economic structure is underdeveloped. The Irish language is regarded as a vital part of the cultural heritage of the nation; it is the first official language of the state in the Republic of Ireland and is a treaty language of the European Union. The areas in Ireland where more than 60% of the population are Irish-speaking are designated as Gaeltacht areas. Most of Corca Dhuibhne is a Gaeltacht area, that is, an area where Irish is the first language of the majority of residents. The methodology of the research into the language difficulties in local development in the Corca Dhuibhne area was mostly qualitative.
