The Irish-language weekly newspaper Fóinse is to cease publication with the loss of 10 jobs. Staff at the Carraroe- based publication were given redundancy notices yesterday and this weekend’s edition is to be the last.

A disagreement over grants from its main funder, Foras na Gaeilge, and falling advertising revenue led to the closure.

The chief executive of Foras na Gaeilge, Ferdie Mac an Fhailigh, said last night he was “shocked” by the announcement.

“I would like to express our disappointment, especially since negotiations were still ongoing between the parties. Foras na Gaeilge are of the strong opinion that Móinéar Teo is a viable business . . .

“Foras na Gaeilge had offered a new contract to Móinéar Teo, which included a 16.3 per cent increase in funding, bringing their annual funding to €355,000 or €1.42 million over the term of the four-year contract to continue publishing . . .

“Foras na Gaeilge has already received a number of expressions of interest in the proposed new contract.”(Irish Times,  June 26)