Gaillimh le Gaeilge celebrates 30 years in business this year during which it will prepare a new Irish language plan for the city.
Cathaoirleach Bernadette Mullarkey says the new Irish language plan for Galway will strengthen its position as Ireland’s bilingual city, and also add cultural value to Galway's year as European Capital of Culture in 2020.
"There is also loads of potential here for using new media to make Irish more mainstream and fun," she told cairde and stiúrthóirí of Gaillimh le Gaeilge at the annual Fulacht Fia. "Yes, there is work is to be done, but with the support of Galway City Council, Cairde Ghaillimh le Gaeilge and other key organisations, we can be sure of a successful plan for our city. The biggest challenge will be to get the proper resources needed to implement the new plan.”
Galway is the first city to be part of the language planning process under the Gaeltacht Act 2012 and last month, former Minister of State for the Gaeltacht Seán Kyne announced Gaillimh le Gaeilge as the lead organisation to prepare the language plan for the city. This work will be done in association with Galway City Council, Galway Chamber and other groups in the city.
At the event, Gaillimh le Gaeilge thanked all funding organisations as they celebrate 30 years in business. They receive their main support from the Department of the Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, through the National Lottery. They also get support from Galway City Council and Cairde Ghaillimh le Gaeilge through the Galway Chamber.
"This support is essential for the organisation to maintain their various services and practical supports for those who wish to use the Irish language in their daily business and organisations in Galway city."
