‘Bíonn toradh ar obair Gael Linn’ was the main message that came from a very positive meeting held by Gael Linn in the Head Office on Dame Street, Dublin, at the weekend. It was an opportunity for staff members to share information about the great work that the organisation is doing throughout the country and internationally. ‘Promoting positive experiences of Irish for everyone’ is Gael Linn’s vision and there were many stories to share at this bi-annual meeting called the Gael Linn Assembly or ‘Cuideachta’. There has been growth in the Gaelbhratach and Scoil Spreagtha schemes and there has also been growth in the number of adults choosing to learn Irish with us whether that is in the form of Gaeltacht courses, online courses in Ireland and internationally. Gael Linn educational schemes are still going from strength to strength across the country north and south. The organisation creates a wide range of opportunities for language use that enrich the context of Irish for learners of the language.
However, not every circumstance is within the control of the organisation and the opportunities and challenges associated with the news that it is planned to pedestrianise the Dame Street area in the coming years were discussed. Planning for this is essential as more people than ever from Ireland and abroad are looking to enjoy the city while relaxing on Gael Linn’s doorstep. How can some of them be enticed across the threshold? What positive experiences would these people like from Gael Linn in relation to the Irish language and its heritage?
The draft of Gael Linn’s new website was shown at the meeting and it was also announced that people’s own stories about their experiences with Irish are being collected in a bid to form a living portrait of Irish speakers today.
Gael Linn traditionally invites a guest to address the assembly in March. This year’s guest speaker, Senator Seán Kyne, gave a very interesting talk. His address stimulated lively discussion on the following topics: challenges in the Gaeltacht regions, housing in the Gaeltacht, recruitment in the public service, exemptions from the Irish language.
Gael Linn would like to thank our funders for the confidence they place in the organisation. Gael Linn receives funding from Foras na Gaeilge, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Education, Northern Ireland. Gael Linn is also grateful for the increase in funding announced by Minister Dara Calleary in last year’s budget.
Ní neart go cur le chéile!