Language campaigners will called on the Government to establish four Welsh medium business parks to promote the language's use during a discussion about economic strategy at the Eisteddfod today.

In the new policy document, which was discussed by a panel chaired by the Assembly Member Adam Price, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg argue for the establishment of an economic development body, called “AnturIaith: Menter Iaith ar Waith”. The new organisation would be responsibile for introducing a package of policies focused on the Welsh language, based on the same principles as ‘Udaras na Gaeltachta’ in Ireland or the Highlands and Islands Enterprise in Scotland.

They recommend the body should be responsible for establishing a Welsh medium busnes park much like Andoain Enterprise Park in the Basque Country; develop rural business incubators as part of Enterprise Park; and implement specific plans encourage economic development within communities whilst promoting development from the bottom up.

Speaking at the event, Tamsin Davies, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith sustainable communities group, said:

“We are pleased to be able to launch these policies at a very appropriate time since the Government is not only considering its new language stategy, but also it’s economic strategy. We hope the idea to create more Welsh medium business spaces will receive cross-party support.

“The Census results shows that the two main aims of the previous language strategy of the Government weren't achieved: there was not only a fall in the percentage of Welsh speakers overall, but also a fall in the number of wards where over 70% are able to speak Welsh.

"We are losing around 3,000 Welsh speakers every year. A number of factors are behind this and it’s clear that out-migration – especially young people leaving their communities to search for work – is one of the main factors behind the decline. That's why there must be a focus on policies that will create work in Welsh language communities and campaigns for economic policies that will strengthen the situation.

“The language and the economy are connected. In a Welsh-speaking area with a stong economy, fewer people will move away in search of work, so a high number of Welsh speakers would continue living there. In areas where the number of Welsh speakers are high and the language is in a strong position – where the ability to speak Welsh is useful while searching for jobs, offering services, and so forth – non-Welsh speakers that move to the area are encouraged to integrate. It's a situation where the community is viable and the language and the economy support each other.”

Other speakers at the event included Menna Jones from Antur Waun Fawr, Meleri Davies from Ynni Ogwen, and Adam Price AM.