- First local authority in Ireland to include Tuairisc.ie and An Páipéar for Planning Notices
Galway City Council is pleased to announce that the list of approved outlets for the publication of statutory planning notices has now been expanded to include Irish language publications, Tuairisc, and An Páipéar. This update reflects Galway City Council’s commitment to supporting the Irish language and enhancing the availability of public services through Irish.
The inclusion of Tuairisc and An Páipéar in the list of approved outlets came about following a unanimous recommendation of the Corporate Strategic Policy Subcommittee for the Irish Language to include them, at its meeting on 3 March 2025.
The Planning Department accepted the recommendation, with Tuairisc.ie and An Páipéar — now added to the approved list of publications permitted to carry planning notices for Galway City.
A full and up-to-date list of approved publications is available on the Galway City Council website https://www.galwaycity.ie/services/planning-and-building/planning-application-process.
Supporting Irish-Language Media and Public Access
For over a decade, Galway had no Irish-language print option for planning notices following the closure of Foinse, which once had a circulation exceeding 10,000. Today, however, a diverse Irish-language media landscape has re-emerged, including online platforms and weekly print newspapers such as Tuairisc.ie and An Páipéar, alongside Irish-language supplements in major national newspapers.
Galway City Council is committed to providing services and to those who wish to avail of them and this is a small step towards fulfilling that policy. The Subcommittee highlighted that more than 80% of Galway residents would like more opportunities to use the Irish language, according to research from Ireland Thinks, Fáilte Ireland and Gaillimh le Gaeilge. Expanding planning notice publication options will help meet that demand and strengthen language visibility and service provision through Irish.
Aligned With Language Obligations
This decision supports key commitments under the 4ú Scéim Teanga 2019–2023, which places strong emphasis on the proactive provision of Irish-language services and improving language visibility. It also recognises Galway’s status as a Gaeltacht Service Town, with 30% of the city’s land area situated in the Gaeltacht.
Removing Barriers to Participation
Historically, planning notices could only be published in newspapers with a readership above 30,000 — a requirement that excluded Irish-language publications, contributing to the minoritisation of the language in public administration. The Subcommittee therefore recommended granting an exemption to at least one Irish-language publication already recognised by An Coimisinéir Teanga.
Strengthening Public Engagement
By adding Tuairisc.ie and An Páipéar to the approved list, Galway City Council aims to:
- Increase accessibility of planning information for Irish-speaking communities
- Strengthen linguistic rights and visibility
- Support vibrant Irish-language journalism
- Align planning services with broader Irish-language policy commitments
For more information on the planning application process or to view the complete list of approved publications, visit:
https://www.galwaycity.ie/services/planning-and-building/planning-application-process