Yearly Archives: 2015

DYFODOL I’R IAITH’S OPPOSITION TO HOUSING PLAN

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith have stated their opposition to a plan to raise 69 new houses in Coetmor, Bethesda. The plan will be discussed by Gwynedd Council’s Planning Committee next Monday (June 15th), and the Planning Department have recommended that it be approved.

Dyfodol believes that this plan is totally inappropriate and insensitive to the linguistic needs and profile of the area. According to the 2011 Census, Bethesda is one of the areas where the Welsh language continues to hold its ground, with over 70% of the community able to speak the language.

The organisation has suggested that its members in Gwynedd express their opinion on this matter by joining the Pwyllgor Diogelu Coetmor (Coetmor Preservation Committee)’s protest, which will meet outside the Council Chamber before the Planning Committee.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Chair said:

“It is essential that we safeguard the Welsh language in its heartlands, and take every practical step to ensure that it remains the natural medium of communication within these communities.

This case illustrates the key relationship between planning policy and protecting community language. It also demonstrates the importance of the recent victory in relation to the new Planning Bill, which allows consideration of the Welsh language within individual planning applications. This was a victory for which Dyfodol had lobbied earnestly.

DYFODOL I’R IAITH WELCOMES MORE LANGUAGE CENTRES

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith gave a warm welcome to the First Minister, Carwyn Jones’s announcement that over £1.5 million will be made available to set up Welsh language centres across Wales.

Funding will be available for projects in Anglesey, Cardiff, Tregaron, Bangor, Cardigan and Pontardawe.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith believes that such centres are of key importance in regenerating the Welsh language. The success of the centres that have already been established demonstrates that they provide a means of establishing innovative, informal and fun networks for Welsh speakers and learners.

Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Chair said:

“We hope to see centres established throughout Wales, becoming powerhouses for the Welsh language. This announcement brings us a step closer to realising our vision. We also hope that this represents a first step towards a new and more expansive strategy for the teaching of Welsh for adults.”

Popeth Cymraeg – An Example for Wales

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As changes to the funding of Welsh for Adults is being established, a network of Welsh learning centres for adults such as those run by Popeth Cymraeg is needed according to Dyfodol i’r Iaith. Popeth Cymraeg has established learning centres in Denbigh, Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay.

“Having a network of centres for socialising and learning Welsh is essential in order to provide opportunities to converse and bring Welsh-speakers, learners and young people together,” says Heini Gruffudd, Dyfodol i’r Iaith’s Chair.

He added “Ioan Talfryn and his officers have shown courage and enterprise in establishing their centres. They have won the support of Denbighshire Council and the National Lottery. They provide an excellent model to aspire to across Wales.”

He said, “We very much hope that that the new funding arrangements for Welsh for Adults will continue to provide the same support as before for these centres, providing a pattern for creative collaboration,”

The Welsh Government has promised £1.25 million for the establishment of centres to promote the Welsh language, and plans are already afoot in Carmarthen, Cardiff and Wrexham.

Mr Gruffudd said, “We also hope that that the Welsh Government will be working with Popeth Cymraeg, and with other existing centres, such as Saith Seren in Wrexham, to ensure sensible co-ordination between central government, Welsh for Adults and the individual Welsh language centres.”