From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
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The Government Chief Whip and Minister of State for the Gaeltacht and Sport, Jack Chambers TD, has approved funding of €325,000 for Conradh na Gaeilge to establish and develop the BÁC le Gaeilge project between 2021 and 2024.
The establishment of BÁC le Gaeilge is a great opportunity to increase the use of the language in Dublin city - where there is a large Irish language community due to a wide range of Irish language establishments being located there. These include early education services, gaelscoileanna and Gaelcholáistí, Irish language organisations, two radio stations broadcasting in Irish, Na Gaeil Óga GAA club, third level courses in Irish and many other establishments.
Conradh na Gaeilge, in partnership with Dublin City Council, has set out a programme of activities to ensure that the language is heard and seen more around Dublin city. The Conradh na Gaeilge Head Office at 6 Harcourt Street will be used as a centre for businesses and the public to provide information about the services available in Irish and to encourage them to use those services.
Announcing the grant, Minister of State Chambers said:
“I am delighted that my department is able to provide funding to Conradh na Gaeilge to establish BÁC le Gaeilge. This project is of particular importance to ensure that the Irish language thrives in the city, that the language is promoted in the business sector and that it is given economic recognition. It is good also that this work will be done in partnership with Dublin City Council.”
Julian de Spáinn, Secretary General of Conradh na Gaeilge said:
“We are very grateful to Minister of State Jack Chambers for announcing this funding today for the very important Baile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge project and for the assistance of Dublin City Council as well. Interest in the language and the use of Irish in Dublin is growing, especially among young people, and Baile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge is now in place to ensure that the language is seen, heard, and used more in ordinary city life. Among various actions being taken by Baile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge, the benefits of the use of Irish will be presented to the city's business community and they will be encouraged to provide services in Irish in the future.”
Alison Gilliland, Lord Mayor of Dublin City, said:
“I very much welcome BÁC le Gaeilge. The department's funding is a direct result of their partnership with the Irish Language Sub-Committee of Dublin City Council. I commend the Chair and members of the Sub-Committee for the progress that has been made during 2021. The City Council is pleased to increase the funding announced today and I look forward to a comprehensive and creative programme that supports the use of the Irish language in the Capital.”
Spokesperson for Murphy’s Ice Cream, Niamh O’Kennedy, which is supporting the initiative, believes the launch has come at the perfect time:
“More and more we have been seeing a huge increase and interest from both our customers and staff in the Irish language. So much so we are now offering all our staff the opportunity to avail of free Irish language lessons. With support of organisations like Baile Átha Cliath le Gaeilge we believe the Irish language can be accessible and enjoyable for all.”
The company also plan to use more Irish in their retail marketing material both online and in store.
The BÁC le Gaeilge programme of activities includes: