An Irish Language Network (Irish: Líonra Gaeilge pl. Líonraí Gaeilge) is a designation applicable to areas in both jurisdictions on the island of Ireland.
The Gaeltacht Act 2012 (in the Republic of Ireland) allowed for the designation by the cross-border body Foras na Gaeilge and the Irish Department of Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht of certain areas as Irish Language Networks (Irish: Líonraí Gaeilge) outside the traditional Irish-speaking areas collectively known as the Irish: [[Gaeltacht]]. The designation recognises a certain level of community and State support for the Irish language, and is made by electoral division or settlement name.[1] The designation is to be made where the commitment to the Irish language seems strong enough to justify it, and can be revoked if language plans are not followed-through successfully.
In February 2018, Foras na Gaeilge announced that five areas – West Belfast, Loughrea, Carn Tóchair (ga), Ennis and Clondalkin Village – were designated as having the first Irish Language Networks, subject to the committees in the networks co-formulating and adopting approved Irish language plans which are since in place.[2] [3] Foras na Gaeilge have said that they expect to also designate other areas outside the Gaeltacht as Irish Language Networks,[4] although as of early 2024, no new designations have been made.