The Government needs to strongly consider Ballymun for the location of its planned new Irish language and cultural hub for Dublin, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Dublin North West TD Noel Rock said: “The Government’s commitment to open an Irish language and cultural hub in Dublin is great news for the capital. I wholeheartedly believe that Ballymun would be the ideal area for this hub. There has been a big increase in demand in the area for more educational options through our national language.

“Only last year, Dublin City Council accepted calls from Ballymun residents through the Local Area Plan to explore the possibility of obtaining ‘network Gaeltacht’ status from Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. There is also a strong demand for a second level Gaelscoil in the area and I believe this will complement a proposed language hub for the area.

“Should this new hub be located in Ballymun, I believe it would be warmly welcomed by local residents and a real boost to the area. Ballymun is a thriving community and an Irish language and cultural hub would certainly be seen as a real sign of approval for the area,” concluded Deputy Rock.

ENDS