On the 23rd November 2023, Pobal Gaeilge 15 hosted a public meeting on the future of the Irish language in Dublin 15.
Pobal Gaeilge 15 is a group of volunteers in Dublin 15 and Dunboyne who aim to create social opportunities for Irish speakers and learners of all ages.
A strategy for developing an Irish language network for Dublin 15
The meeting was called to develop contacts and relationships and to coordinate an overarching strategy for promoting Irish in Dublin 15 and Dunboyne. With that in mind, invitations sent to various stakeholders, including: members of the community, members of various community groups, educators, GAA clubs, musicians, local TDs, local councillors, local media, Fingal County Council and operators of various kinds of community infrastructure such as Blanchardstown Library and Draíocht theatre in Blanchardstown.
An inclusive approach
The meeting was addressed by members of the Committee of Pobal Gaeilge 15, Seán de Paor of Glór na nGael and Jack Chambers. The point was made that there is an absence of a cross-community strategy to promote the Irish language to date. It was recommended that an inclusive approach be adopted considering the diversity of the community in Dublin 15. Activities organised by Pobal Gaeilge 15 were highlighted. There was a call to action for members of the public and stakeholders to get involved, assist in organising events or to join the committee and 4 new people joined the committee on the night.
Recommendations
Some of the recommendations included developing an absolute beginners class for people who have had no previous experience of Irish whatsoever – such as members of the New Irish community. Pobal Gaeilge 15 will raise this with Dublin & Dún Laoghaire Education and Training Board.
It was suggested that a radio show be developed for the local Radio station Phoenix FM where teenagers get to use Irish to put together and present a show for other teenagers, and that this show could be linked to secondary schools in the area. Pobal Gaeilge 15 will raise this with Phoenix FM and local schools.
Pobal Gaeilge 15 will work to follow-up on contacts with Fingal Co. Co., Blanchardstown Library, Draíocht, DDLETB and other stakeholders such as GAA clubs, schools and local representatives.
Pobal Gaeilge 15 will work with St. Peregrine’s GAA club on an Irish cultural weekend to take place on the February Bank Holiday weekend.
A programme of events for 2024 will be drafted and finalised on 11 January.
The ultimate goal is to have a home for the Irish language in Dublin 15 – a building where Irish speakers can meet socially.
Attendees & apologies
Those in attendance included: Minister Jack Chambers, Councillor Pamela Conroy, Councillor Tom Kitt, Councillor Howard Mahony, Seán de Paor of Glór na nGael, Shayk Dr. Umar Al-Qadri, Gráinne Uí Chaomhánaigh, Phoenix FM, representatives of Erin go Bragh, St. Peregrine’s and St. Brigid’s GAA clubs, musicians from Comhaltas, educators from various schools.
Those who sent apologies included: An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar; Minister Roderic O’Gorman; Ruth Coppinger; Paula Melvin – Uachtarán Conradh na Gaeilge; Councillors Ted Leddy, Siobhán Shovlin, John Walsh; Fingal County Council; Blanchardstown Library; Dublin Dún Laoghaire Education & Training Board; Draíocht Theatre Blanchardstown.
Further information
Pobal Gaeilge 15 is participating in the Irish Language Network Development Scheme at the basic level in 2023. Pobal Gaeilge 15 is receiving funding from Foras na Gaeilge with the aim of developing the Irish-language Network in Dublin 15. There are many such groups throughout the island and there is scope for others to be founded and organised in every county and urban area.
The Committee of Pobal Gaeilge 15 will meet next on Thursday 11th January at 8pm in St. Peregrine’s GAA Club, Blakestown Rd., Coolmine, D15.
There will be regular Saturday morning hikes along the Royal Canal and the Phoenix Park with Siúlach Scéalach.
There will be a Pop-Up Gaeltacht on Thursday 18th January, 2024, at 8pm in St. Peregrine’s GAA club.
The Club Leabhar will meet next on Wednesday 31 January 2024 at 8pm in Castleknock Hotel to discuss Madame Lazare by Tadhg Mac Dhonnagain and to distribute a new book. Tea/coffee and books will be supplied.
Irish Language matters 