Author Archives: Ruth Richards

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.”

VICTORY FOR DYFODOL ON THE PLANNING BILL

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After two years of persistent lobbying to give attention to the Welsh language within the Planning Bill, Dyfodol’s efforts have finally come to fruition. The Welsh Language is now part of the Planning Measure and a statutory consideration, which will transform the way in which housing plans will be treated by local authorities in Wales. This was all won through discussion and persuasion.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith began lobbying in the light of weaknesses in the TAN20 regulations which gave local authorities limited rights to consider the Welsh language. This was followed by a slightly stronger TAN20, but one that still did not give consideration of the language a strong statutory basis.

Dyfodol i’r Iaith met with Carwyn Jones, the Prime Minister three times, and many times with the Government’s planning officers. A presentation was made on the matter to the senedd and contact was made with Assembly Members of all parties.

Success was achieved in convincing the politicians of the need to include the Welsh language within the Bill. Evidence provided by Meirion Davies, a member of Dyfodol’s Board, on the effect of the current house planning structures was a significant contribution. Following this came a detailed discussion on satisfactory wording. During these and former stages, Emyr Lewis’s guidance to the politicians was of key importance. An amendment wording that was clear and simple was successfully arrived at.

As Dyfodol yr Iaith led the public debate, discussing with politicians and officers, doors opened without pushing. Many steps still lie ahead of us, but for now, we can be rightly proud of our achievements