Plans For A New Irish Language Quarter In Dublin
Recently, there has been a renewal in people seeking to learn the Irish language. The emergence of new technology and apps is changing the way we learn and making it more accessible for people to pick up the language at their own pace, whether it’s learning the basics or meeting up with others to speak in Irish.
Now there are hopes to create a new Irish Language Quarter in Dublin, which will encourage the use of spoken Irish in work, leisure and hospitality settings. It is part of the city development plans rulebook after a motion was passed back in November 2021.
Conradh Na Gailge works on behalf of the Irish-speaking and Gaeltacht community. It’s historic building at 6 Harcourt street was once used by Michael Collins, and it would be central to the language quarter. Many of the activities like tours, or a café for people to use Irish in will start from there.
Minister of State for The Gaeltacht and Sport, Jack Chambers has granted funding of 325,000 euro towards BÁC le Gaeilge, a new project by Conradh Na Gaeilge which will set up these activities and events to get people using Irish more often in Dublin City.
It is looking in particular at promoting the use of Irish in the business sector. There is a recognition that the Irish language seems to be growing among young people especially and this is also an encouraging sign.
Does Technology Point Towards An Irish Language Resurgence?
According to statistics, Irish is now the fastest growing language on the Duo Lingo learning app and the number one language for people in Ireland. Part of the reason may be a large diaspora of people abroad who want to keep in touch with the language. Duo Lingo and apps like it have made this more accessible. Irish language courses and programmes can be both a time and financial commitment. Now that people are able to use tech any time, at their own pace in their own home, this makes learning the basics of Irish through quick lessons more accessible than ever before.
Pop Up Gaeltacht’s
New events have been happening across the country to help people speak Irish. The pop-up Gaeltacht was an idea set up by Osgur O’ Ciardha and Peader O Caimhanhagh in 2017. It is an informal gathering of people speaking Irish with each other. The internet has allowed all kinds of meetups and connected people with similar interests, but it seems to really be driving the growth of Irish now. Newcomers especially can enter an informal setting where they can practice.
What Are The Aims Of The Irish Quarter?
It would encourage business owners to use Irish in their signs, menus and advertising. They could also network with other businesses in Irish. There are indications that there is an appetite for this kind of thing already.
Borradh is an Irish Language networking site which launched back in 2020 and is looking to become a sort of “linked in” for Irish business owners who want to have the language as a focal point in their communication. It promotes jobs and opportunities like other sites, but it is able to do all of this in Irish.
There’s also been businesses choosing to focus on the Irish language. Café Aon Scéal opened up in Tallaght in 2020 and is based in the Irish cultural centre in Tallaght Village. Both Irish and English speakers are welcome, and it’s become a hub for language activity in the area for anyone curious to converse in Irish.
These kinds of innovations would have been difficult to do in the past but the fact they are happing organically shows investing in a language quarter could work.
With this in mind Conradh na Gaeilge will be looking to work with Dublin City Council to develop a language plan for the coming years, based around the language quarter.
Photos by Stephen Davis
