Category Archives: Cynllunio Ieithyddol

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.”

DYFODOL I’R IAITH WELCOMES AMENDMENT TO THE PLANNING BILL

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Dyfodol i’r Iaith welcomes the amendment to the Planning Bill put forward by William Powell and supported by Llyr Huws Griffiths and the Minister, Carl Sargeant.

As a result of this amendment, planning authorities must, when relevant, pay attention to considerations relating to the use of the Welsh language in deciding upon planning applications. This is a great step forward, and should end the uncertainty that has led to Welsh language considerations not being given attention for fear that this would not be within the law.

Dyfodol’s representatives, Meirion Davies and Emyr Lewis have presented strong political and legal arguments for such an amendment to the Planning Committee, and reiterated these arguments in meetings with Carwyn Jones and the Welsh Government’s planning officers.

Dyfodol is delighted that politicians of all parties across Wales have supported this amendment. It is indicative of the wide support across Wales for the need to support Welsh as a living community language. The Minister and all the politicians are to be congratulated on their enlightened response to the lobbying.

It is worrying however that other recommendations made by the Committee have not been adopted; these would have built upon the foundation set by this amendment.

Dyfodol continues to call for a statutory body, at arms’ length from the Government, with responsibility for promoting the Welsh language and planning for its welfare.