Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Hopes for new Council to adopt Newry & Mourne's bilingual policy

Published: 30 August, 2009

Newry Sinn Féin councillor Brendan Curran has said that he is hopeful that the new Council formed when Newry & Mourne and Down District Councils merge will adopt Newry & Mourne's current bilingual policy.

Cllr Curran requested that the issue be dealt with by the transition committee which is overseeing the merger. The Down councillors have agreed to debate the issue as they currently do not have a bilingual policy.

Cllr Curran said,

"I am hopeful that the new Council will adopt Newry & Mourne's bilingual policy. Our council has led the way in promoting the Irish language and was recently received recognition at the prestigious BARR50 event in Dublin.

"Newry and Mourne Council has set an example in promoting the Irish language. Our Council was the first in Ireland to have a Bilingualism Policy and an Irish Language Unit.

"It is important that we continue to promote the language in every possible way, in our schools and our community organisations. It is the council who must take the lead however and Newry and Mourne has done so.

"The Irish language has long been an issue of central importance and over the years Republicans have been active in its promotion. We see the Irish language as a question of central importance and have sought to promote it at every level we can. On the ground our members have been active for years both within the Irish language movement and in our own right, organising Irish language classes, helping to start and support gaelscoileanna , campaigning for rights for Irish speakers and speaking the language in public forums when possible.

"In survey after survey the Irish people have shown their high regard for the language. The growth of the Gaelscoileanna movement is living testimony to this fact

"The new council can play its part in enabling and encouraging people to speak the Irish language.