Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann - Island Fundraising Campaign

Our government funding has ended and we are launching a fundraising campaign to ensure that we can continue to represent islanders' views and interests.

If you would like to support our work, you can make a donation to Comhdháil or even set up a standing order.

Our bank details are as follows:

Account Name: Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann- Bainisteoir

Number: 22015342 Sort Code: 90-38-16

Address: Bank of Ireland, Eyre Square, Galway.

If you live outside of the Republic of Ireland, you might like to donate by international electronic transfer. Our IBAN number is IE02 BOFI 9038 1622 0153 42.

If you donate €250 in one year, or just €21 a month, it could make your donation worth up to 72% more to Comhdháil, as we can claim the tax back. (See below for details.)

If you do not wish to donate money, but can offer advice or support in terms of fundraising, we would really welcome your input. Thanks for your support!

Majella Ní Chríocháin, Manager

Further Information:

www.oileain.ie/en/NewsEvents/Events/IslandsFundraisingCampaign

Suirbhé nua ar an Ghaeilge

Is mian le 93% de na daoine a ghlac páirt i suirbhé náisiúnta go n-athbheofaí nó go gcaomhnófaí an Ghaeilge, de réir tuarascála The Irish Language and the Irish People leis an Athair Mícheál Mac Gréil agus Fergal Rhatigan.


Toradh suntasach den tuarascáil agus cúis díomá ab ea gur chuir 47% de fhreagróirí a rugadh in Éirinn in iúl go raibh siad réasúnta inniúil agus níor chuir ach 23% acu in iúl gur úsáid siad an Ghaeilge go rialta.

Aithnítear sa tuarascáil na dúshláin atá os comhair na Gaeilge, bunaithe ar thorthaí an tsuirbhé, agus déantar moltaí ann maidir leis an Ghaeilge a fhorbairt agus a threisiú i réimsí éagsúla den saol laethúil. Ag labhairt agus é ag seoladh na tuarascála dúirt an tAire Ó Cuív, ‘Ní chuirfidh roinnt de na torthaí sa tuarascáil seo ionadh ar aon duine a phléann leis an nGaeilge mar chuid dá saol gach lá. Is é an rud is suntasaí a bhaineann leis seo go dtugann an taighde fianaise fíorasach ar fáil dúinn chun tacú leis na roghanna a dhéanaimid sa bheartas teanga.

Cabhraíonn taighde cosúil leis seo linn chun tionscnaimh agus bearta beartais a spriocdhíriú ar bhealach níos éifeachtaí, agus imscrúdú á dhéanamh againn ar thorthaí a bhaineann le haoisghrúpaí éagsúla, mar shampla.

Deireadh Seachtaine na Comhdhála - Comhdháil Weekend

Buíochas do gach duine a chur fáilte is fiche roimh ár gcuairteoirí chun an oileán ag an deireadh seachtaine. Buíochas mór do gach duine a bhí páirteach in imeachtaí an deireadh seachtaine agus díofa siúd go léir a thug gach cuidiú agus tacaíocht chun a chinntiú gur bhain ár gcuairteoirí an-sult agus taitneamh as a gcuid ama inár measc. Go raibh maith agaibh.

Thanks to all for the warm welcome extended to all our visitors to the island over the weekend. Many thanks also to those who took part in the events of the weekend and to all of those for their support and help in ensuring that the time spent by our fellow islanders in our company was enjoyed very much by all. Go raibh maith agaibh.

Calling all TUNNEL TIGERS - TG4 Documentary

NOTICE
Calling all TUNNEL TIGERS
TG4 Documentary


Spirit Films are currently conducting research for a television documentary film for TG4 about Irelands Tunnel Tigers. It is hoped that the focus of the documentary will centre on the Arranmore Tunnel Tigers. The documentary makers are now trying to locate and meet Tunnel Tigers from Arranmore, who are currently employed as tunnel workers or who have worked in the tunnels in the past.

Spirit Films can be contacted in the following way:-

Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhóir, on behalf of Spirit Films, is compiling the contact details of past & present tunnel workers. Contact 074 9520533, should you wish to have your contact details added to the contact list.

Email: info@spiritfilms.ie

Telephone Spirit Films on 091 876 501

Mobile : Frank on 087 6828478

Thank you for your assistance.

Seirbhísí Faisnéise do Shaoránaigh-Citizens Information

Beidh  Seirbhísí Faisnéise do Shaoránaigh-Citizens Information in oifigí an chomharchumainn ar an Aoine, 24 Aibreán, 2009 óna 10:45am - 1:00in. Beidh ionadaí ón Ionad Seirbhísí Faisnéise do Shaoránaigh, An Clochán Liath i láthair chun seirbhísí faisnéise, comhairle agus abhcóideachta i dtaca le seirbhísí sóisialta agus sibhialta a chur ar fáil don phobal.

The monthly Citizens Information Clinic will take place in an comharchumann on Friday 24 April 2009, from 10:45 – 1:00pm. A representative from the Citizens Informations Services, Dungloe will be available to offer information, advice and advocacy to members of the public on a wide range of social an civil services.

Launch of Donegal Walking Week 24th-30th May

Families encouraged to get walking this May

Donegal Walking Week 2009, is hoping to encourage as many individuals, families, schools and workplaces as possible to get active and get walking. The event is primarily taking place from

24th until 30th May

with a focus on community led family fun walking programme all across County Donegal. The week will also include workshops and presentations on walking fitness, the environment and heritage.
The week long event will kick off with a family walk at the Bluestack Centre outside Donegal Town on the 24th May. This walk will include information sessions and practical demonstrations on outdoor activities such as tent pitching, outdoor footwear and clothing and personal safety.

Donegal Walking Week provides a great opportunity for both the local community and visitors to get out and sample the many walking opportunities Donegal has on offer. All abilities are catered for and local accommodation providers are offering overnight packages to encourage visitors to stay in the Donegal area.

A full programme of activities is planned throughout the week in all areas of the county including 26 guided walks both coastal and inland, a family challenge, educational workshops on outdoor activities and also on the environment and walking for health.
The week long festivities will conclude with a family fun day at Glenveagh Castle where they will present one lucky family with a €500 gift voucher sponsored by Wet’n'Wild, Letterkenny for having completed the family walking challenge!

DEIREADH SEACHTAINE NA COMHDHÁLA

Comhdháil Weekend
24 Aibreán/24 April 2009
Oíche Ceoil i Hall Uí Bhaoill @ 9:00in
Traditional Music Night in Boyle’s Hall @ 9:00pm
CUIRFEAR FÁILTE ROIMH CHÁCH/ALL WELCOME

Fiontar agus Fostaíocht ar na hOileáin
Enterprise and Employment on the Islands

Seimineár Dé Satharn 25 Aibreán , Árainn Mhór, Co. Dhún na nGall
Seminar Saturday 25 April, Árainn Mhór, Co. Donegal

9.30-10.00 Interreg Island Small Ferries Project - Guy Platten,
Caledonian Marine Assets Ltd., Scotland
10.00-10.30 Harnessing the Potential of the Sea – Dr. Micheal O’ Toole,
Marine Institute
10.30-11.00 Diversifying into Energy Efficient Building – Dr. John Lohan
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology
11.00-11.30 Business Development Needs on the Islands – Results of
Study - Dermot Coates, Farrell Grant Sparks

11.30-11.50 Close - Tae/Caife

11.50-12.00 Seoladh Bhróisiúr Oileáin Dhún na nGall – An tAire
Éamon Ó Cuív
12.00-1.00 Seisiún Plé do na hOileánaigh leis an Aire Éamon Ó Cuív
Question and Answers for Islanders with the Minister

1.00-2.00pm Lón/Lunch

2.00-4.00pm CCB na Comhdhála - Comhdháil’s AGM
Chairperson’s Address * Minutes of AGM 2008 and matters arising
Auditor’s Report * Appointment of Auditor * Manager’s Report
Election of new committee * Any other business
Arna reáchtáil ag Comhdháil Oileáin na hÉireann* Organised by the Irish Islands Federation
Le tacaíocht ón Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta
With support from the Department of Community,
Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Deontas Tithíochta/Gaeltacht Housing Grants

D’fhógair an Aire Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., nach bhfuil an Roinn ag glacadh le tuilleadh iarratais faoin scéim don chuid eile den bhliain seo. Déanfar próiseáil ar na hiarratais atá idir lámha agus ceadófar deontais bunaithe ar na hiarratais seo ar an ngnáth-chaoi. Íocfar na deontais ar an ngnáth-bhealach leis na daoine ar fad ar ceadaíodh deontas dóibh roimhe seo, nó a raibh iarratas istigh acu roimh 7 Aibreán 2009, faoi réir an tsoláthair airgeadais a bheidh ar fáil don Roinne i mbliana agus i 2010. Déanfar athbhreithniú ar na scéimeanna seo i gcomhthéacs an Phlean 20 Bliain don Teanga agus an t-airgead a chuirfear ar fáil i 2010 sna meastacháin ag deireadh na bliana.

Éamon O Cuív TD has announced that no further housing grant applications will be accepted for the remainder of this year. Application already in the system will be processed in the customary manner. Payment of grants already approved/in the system before 7 April 2009, will be considered within the context of finances available to the department in 2009/2010. These schemes will be re-examined in the context of the 20 year Irish language plan and the finances available in 2010 in the end of year estimates.

Laghdú i mbuiséad na Roinne 2009

Is é €443.7m an leithdháileadh glan athbhreithnithe a bheidh ann don Roinn Gnóthaí Pobail, Tuaithe agus Gaeltachta don bhliain 2009, figiúr a léiríonn laghdú €47.4m ar an leithdháileadh measta tosaigh a fógraíodh i mí Dheireadh Fómhair 2008.


Baineann €11.8m den laghdú sin le caiteachas caipitil. Áirítear air sin, aistriú €2.5m chuig Oifig an Aire Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige a bheidh baint aige leis an gCiste Saoráidí agus Seirbhísí do Dhaoine Óga.

Léiríonn an t-iarmhéid oiriúnuithe i gcaiteachas caipitil a rinneadh mar chuid de phacáiste beart a d’fhógair an tAire Airgeadais ag deireadh mhí Eanáir 2009. Maidir leis an gcaiteachas reatha, tá laghdú €35.6m air, lena n-áirítear aistriú €17.4m chuig Oifig an Aire Leanaí agus Gnóthaí Óige don Chiste Saoráidí agus Seirbhísí do Dhaoine Óga agus aistriú €2m chuig an Roinn Ealaíon, Spóirt agus Turasóireachta ó Chiste na Gaeilge i leith Chlár Forbartha Réigiúnach Chomhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Is éard atá san iarmhéid, coigiltis a gnóthaíodh go príomha trí chostais riaracháin a laghdú don Roinn, gníomhaireachtaí Stáit laistigh dá raon agus eagraíochtaí pobail agus deonacha. Mar thoradh ar líon ard na n-iarratas ar láimh agus leibhéal na dtiomantas roimhe seo faoi Scéim Tithíochta na Gaeltachta, tá an scéim á cur ar fionraí ag an Roinn ón 7 Aibreán 2009 go dtí go bhfógrófar a mhalairt.

Ar na céimeanna eile atá le glacadh chun coigiltis a chur i gcrích, áirítear an Scéim Tacaíochta Pobail do Dhaoine Breacaosta a chur ar fionraí (ón 7 Aibreán 2009 chomh maith) agus na Deontais Aonuaire do Ghrúpaí Pobail bunaithe go háitiúil a chur ar fionraí (ó dheireadh mhí Feabhra 2009).

Leanfar ar aghaidh ag próiseáil gach iarratas bailí atá ar láimh faoi na scéimeanna sin agus ceadófar iad ar an ngnáthbhealach faoi réir na n-acmhainní atá ar fáil. Foilseofar na Meastacháin Athbhreithnithe don bhliain 2009 tar éis na Cásca.

Scrúduithe Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge - Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge Exams

Beidh scrúduithe B1 agus B2 de chuid Theastas Eorpach na Gaeilge ar siúl ar na dátaí seo:
B1 9 Bealtaine 2009 9 May 2009

B2 16 Bealtaine 2009 16 May 2009

Spriocdhátaí d’iarratais / Deadline for applications

Is iad na spriocdhátaí d’iarratais ná: Applications must be received on or before the following dates:

B1 9 Aibreán 2009 B1 9 April 2009
B2 17 Aibreán 2009 B2 17 April 2009

Ionaid Scrúdaithe / Exam Centres

Beidh na scrúduithe ar siúl sna hionaid seo a leanas The exams will take place in the following centres:

Ollscoil na hÉireann Má Nuad NUI Maynooth

Gaoth Dobhair, Co. Donegal


An Spidéal, Co. Galway

Baile Bhuirne, Co. Cork

Tuilleadh eolais / Further information
Tá an fhoirm iarratais agus tuilleadh eolais maidir leis na scrúduithe ar fáil ag an nasc seo:

The application form and other information pertaining to TEG exams are available at this link:
http://www.teg.ie/gaeilge/foirm_iarratais.htm

Cúrsaí Sábháilteachta BIM - BIM Safety Courses

Beidh na cúrsaí sábháilteachta BIM a fhógraíodh ar na mallaibh ar siúl le linn mí na Bealtaine, 2009. Cuirfear gach eolas i dtaca le dataí agus ionad na gcúrsa ar fáil a luaithe agus atá sé faighte. Tuilleadh eolais: 074 9520533

The recently advertised BIM Courses will take place in May 2009. Further information regarding dates and venues will be posted as soon as the information is made available.
Enquiries/Further information: 074 9520533

VEC Adult Education

Eurowatchers Course- This is a 12 hour course, the aim of which is to help individuals to manage and make the most of their money.

It is hoped that the course will be available on the island after Easter.

To enroll for this course, telephone Sinead Uí Bhaoill, Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhóir. 074 9520533

Comharchumann Oileán Árainn Mhóir Teo & Donegal County Council - Roads Maintenance Programme

An Comharchumann has for some time, been awaiting confirmation from Donegal County Council regarding the resumption of the general Roads Maintenance Programme for the island. The Roads Division has been unable to sanction road maintenance works due to the recent financial constraints placed upon local authorities. Road Maintenance spending has been suspended until the budget is announced. This matter it is hoped, will be resolved following the budget announcements and road maintenance works will resume thereafter.

Saoire na Cásca - Easter Holiday

Fógra Comharchumainn

Beidh oifigí agus stór an chomharchumainn druidte ar Aoine an Chéasta (10ú Aibreán), Luan na Cásca(13ú Aibreán) agus ar an Mháirt an 14ú Aibreán 2009.

An comharchumann offices and store will be closed on Good Friday (10th April) Easter Monday (13th April) & Tuesday, 14th April, 2009.