Furbo, County Galway

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Na Forbacha, Co. Galway.

Na Forbacha is a settlement with a population of around 800 in Connemara, County Galway. It lies along the coast between Barna and An Spidéal. It is the first settlement to the west of Galway where Irish is the language used in the school, church and at community meetings. The figure for those who self-report as speaking Irish daily is 39%. The headquarters of the Gaeltacht Authority - Údarás na Gaeltachta ^[1] is located in Na Forbacha. Although in the Gaeltacht, English is commonly used in day to day life, particularly amongst younger age groups. It has a typical Gaeltacht style of settlement with no village street or centre, but rather comprises around fourteen townlands, most of which run North to South from the bog to the foreshore. Although the settlement is approximately 12km from Galway city centre it has maintained its rural nature quite successfully in recent years due to strong opposition to large scale development from locals. Due to its proximity to Galway, and consequential pressure from property developers, housing developments generally have an Irish language clause applied. Currently housing developments have a requirement that 80% plus of housing units are reserved for Irish speakers. The settlement consists of the following townlands. Cnocán An Bhodaigh, An Straidhp, an tSaoirsin, Baile na hAbhann, Na Poillíní, Doire Uachtair, Aill An Phréacháin, An Coisméig Mór, Na Forbacha Garbha, Seanadh Fhréachóg.

Na Forbacha also boasts a very large community pitch which is used by the local Hurling Club ^[2] Football club, and by the nearby Bearna Soccer Club.

Trá na bhForbacha is a pleasant and safe beach for bathing. However, as reported in the Irish Examiner on 2008 May 07, the water off Na Forbacha failed to meet EU bathing standards due to fecal coliforms. It is understood that the pollution problem has been resolved but that Blue Flag status must await clean reports during 2008 and 2009.