A 20-year strategy aimed at breathing new life into the Irish language has recently been published by the Irish Government.
A copy of the draft strategy seen by Metro Éireann highlights the “remarkable” comeback Irish has made “as a living community language in some traditional Gaeltacht heartlands”, as well as being in use daily by many people beyond the Gaeltacht.
One aspect of the new strategy is its plan to encourage people – including immigrants – to become bilingual in both Irish and English. It also seeks to promote the use of the language abroad through the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Pro-Irish language groups have welcomed the publication of the strategy as one of the most significant attempts at reviving Irish and its culture.
A commentary from an expert group headed by Dr Peadar Ó Flatharta at Dublin City University’s Fiontar school stated: “The duration and scope of the strategy signify that the Irish Government intends to secure the permanent status of Irish as the deepest signifier of the distinctive history and culture of the Irish people.”
The group, which was appointed by the Government to analyse the strategy, added: “[It] is organised around increasing linguistic capacity, creating and rewarding opportunities for the use of Irish and fostering positive attitudes towards its use.”
n The strategy is set to begin this year with an establishment phase to communicate its goals and content, and set up the required organisational and operational structures.
From 2011 to 2012, the foundations and long-term measures for the strategy will be put in place, such as the supply of qualified Irish teachers and improved learning materials.
This is intended to come to fruition between from 2013, which begins a 12-year phase of positively promoting the language, evaluating the programme and placing newly qualified teachers in schools and other institutions nationwide.
During this phase Ireland will celebrate the 100th anniversaries of the Easter Rising and the nation’s independence, and these occasions will be linked with the strategy for Irish to showcase the results of the initiative.
The conclusion of the strategy, from 2026 to 2030, is directed towards the “mainstreaming of all measures” to build on the increased abilities in Irish among the population, as well as expanded opportunities to use ther language in public life.
