Cash boost for Welsh language technology

4 July 2014, 06:00

Nearly two hundred thousand pounds is going to help encourage more people to use Welsh on their phones and tablets.

First Minister Carwyn Jones announced today the aim of the Welsh-language Technology and Digital Media Grant scheme is to encourage activities that are aimed at promoting and facilitating the use of the Welsh language, through technology and digital media.

Nine organisations will receive funding under the 2014/15 grant scheme, totalling £186,774.

These include volunteer based Menter Môn in Anglesey, to create a system for simultaneous translators using recycled mobile phones along with Cardiff University's Journalism School for a project to enable people to create, maintain and promote digital community news in Welsh.

The announcement comes after the First Minister launched a draft policy document, which explains how the Welsh Government will strengthen the language over the next three crucial years.

The First Minister said:

'Technology is an important part of our everyday lives, so it’s essential that Welsh language technology and digital media are readily available.

This further set of nine successful projects I have announced today will build on this progress further, giving people even more opportunities to use Welsh in their daily lives; which is one of the main focusses of Moving Forward.

By making sure the language keeps up with the latest technologies, we can help ensure it continues to thrive in the future.'

The 2015/16 funding round will open early in 2015, there are further details at www.cymru.gov.uk/techcy