Public meeting re Gaelcholáiste an Phiarsaigh, new school in Dundrum
February 27, 2013
A public meeting will be held on Thursday, 14 March 2013 – 8.00pm, in Bewleys Hotel Leopardstown, regarding the establishment of Gaelcholáiste an Phiarsaigh in September 2014.
Welcoming the decision of the Department of Education and Skills to sanction a new Gaelcholáiste under the patronage of Foras Pátrúnachta na Scoileanna lánGhaeilge Mr Lorcán Mac Gabhann, Chair of the founding group said,
“In September 2014 Gaelcholáiste an Phiarsaigh will open its doors to pupils from Dundrum and its surrounding areas. For many years there has been an over supply of pupils from primary schools wishing to attend existing All-Irish Schools that could not be catered for.”
It has been very evident that this problem has become more acute in recent years and Mr Mac Gabhann is certain that Gaelcholáiste an Phiarsaigh will overcome this problem.
Parents and interested parties are welcome to attend the public meeting on the 14 March, where they will receive further informaion regarding Gaelcholáiste an Phiarsaigh and All-Irish second level education generally. Enrolment forms for Gaelcholáiste an Phiarsaigh will be available on the night.
Tuilleadh eolais/Further information – Foras Patrúnachta na Scoileanna lánGhaeilge 01-6294110 or Lorcán Mac Gabhann 087-9790193.
http://www.gaelcholaiste.com/nua/
Contracts signed for purchase of Gaelscoil de hÍde site
February 27, 2013
The new Gaelscoil de hÍde at Oranmore has taken a major step towards becoming a reality after contracts were signed for the purchase of a site.
The acquisition of land for the school finally cleared the way for the project to advance. The purchase of the site was the main stumbling block in delaying the new building. Gaelscoil de hÍde was included in the Department of Education’s five-year building programme last March and it was envisaged that construction would commence on the project in 2015.
The proposed new school will be a 16- classroom national school, with a two-class special needs unit, and ancillary accommodation with a general purpose room. The developers are now in the process of signing the contracts and it is expected this will be completed by March 16. Outline planning permission has already been granted.
The next step is the design stage and an application for full planning permission. Gaelscoil de hÍde currently has almost 300 pupils and 20 staff, all of whom are housed in temporary accommodation with no playground space or other resource facilities.
The cost of renting the pre-fab accommodation amounts to €200,000 a year. The news has been welcomed by Galway West TDs Independent Noel Grealish and Fine Gael’s Brian Walsh. The acquisition of the site for the new school has cleared the way for development to be fasttracked,” said Dep Walsh. “I have made this case directly to the Minister for Education.”
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Teorainn ar fhás na meánscolaíochta ó Thuaidh?
February 27, 2013
Paráid na Féile Pádraig i gCeatharlach
February 27, 2013
Féile Drámaíochta na mBunscoileanna i gCeatharlach
February 27, 2013
County Meath talks Irish
February 27, 2013
A group came together last Thursday night in Navan, Co. Meath to discuss the promotion of the Irish language in the county.
Sinn Féin TD for Meath West chaired the meeting, and methods to develop and advance the promotion of the Irish language across the county were discussed.
Irish language organisations, public representatives, representatives from Gaeltacht co-operatives and those involved in local Naíonraí were among those present at the meeting. Emphasis was placed on the current infrastructure already located in the county, be it youth clubs of Cumann na bhFiann, naíonraí, gaelscoileanna, two Gaeltacht areas, or branches of national organisations.
Public signage in the county was discussed, as well as opportunities for particular areas to achieve an Irish language network status for their town, under the Gaeltacht Act 2012, and the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language.
It was decided to organise an event in the near future to bring together those groups who are working with the language at a grassroots level across the county, be that the GAA, the county council, the educational sector, conversational circles or community groups, with a view to working with the groups to find common aims, and areas for co-operation.
Peadar Tóibín TD has served on Meath County Council in the past, and is a former Deputy Mayor of his hometown, Navan. Mr. Tóibín wants to work to “solidify the efforts by the people of Meath to promote the Irish language across the entire county.”
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Talks on Restructuring Irish Voluntary Sector
February 27, 2013
Foras na Gaeilge are to hold meetings this week with management of Irish language organisations to discuss the rationalisation of the voluntary sector.
In a letter sent by Foras na Gaeilge to senior management within the organisations, it is stated that Foras na Gaeilge wish to discuss the possibilities of the review process and that the language agency wishes to discuss the future of organisations following the end of the current funding period on June 30 2013.
Meetings will be held with 19 core-funded organisations on themes including facilities for Irish language education, language awareness and protection and representation with state authorities, events which promote the use of the Irish language and with the establishment of language networks, community development, developing opportunities for further language use for young people, community radio, Irish medium education/immersion education, Irish language pre-schooling, education in the English language sector and further education as well as developing language opportunities among young people
The letter says that a discussion document has been compiled by Foras na Gaeilge which is based on priorities of governmental language strategies including the 20 year Strategy for the Irish language; The business plan of Foras na Gaeilge, the Official Languages Act 2003, Líofa 2015 and the draft strategy for the Irish language in Northern Ireland.
Government departments north and south have instructed Foras na Gaeilge to implement rationalisation within the sector and within the current funding model for Irish language organisations.
A new proposal by Foras na Gaeilge for the sector was set to be tabled for discussion at a meeting of the North South Ministerial Council on December 12 2012.
Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan TD as well as Junior minister for Gaeltacht Affairs Dinny McGinley TD met with their colleagues Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure Carál Ní Chuilín MLA and Junior Minister Jonathan Bell MLA in Armagh. However the North South Ministerial Council postponed the decision until the next meeting which is due to held sometime in the spring.
Foras na Gaeilge have outlined that it expects to have another cut of 6% in the amount of funding for 2013 compared to 2012. Both departments have instructed Foras na Gaeilge to implement this cut in the overall budget of Foras na Gaeilge which includes core-funding for Irish language organisations.
The NSMC originally instructed Foras na Gaeilge to restructure the funding provided to the Irish language voluntary system back in 2009.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Recommendations from Tóstal na Gaeilge 2013
February 27, 2013
Irish speakers gathered in Dublin for Tóstal na Gaeilge on February 16 2013, where a lively discussion on the implementation of the government’s 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language and Irish language policy took place.
The theme of this year’s conference which was organised by Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge was “Beart de réir Briathair” which loosely translates as practice as you preach.
The conference saw politicians, language planning experts, members of the public service and members of the Irish language community come together to discuss the most pertinent issues facing the Irish language today.
Following the event, Director of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge Kevin De Barra state that “ Community leaders and representatives at this year’s Tóstal have asked Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge to enter into discussions with the Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan TD, with Minster of State Dinny McGinley TD and with senior civil servants”.
An urgent meeting to discuss educational policy in Gaeltacht areas will also be sought with Minister for Education and Skills Ruairí Quinn TD.
“ The Government now has the chance to provide a solution to queries raised by Gaeltacht communities and Irish speakers. It’s time for real leadership and for the new language planning process to be operated in an open, comprehensive and democratic manner”.
Recommendations made at Tóstal na Gaeilge 2013
Gaeltacht Education
• It is recommended that the Irish language education council An Chomhairle um Oideachas Gaeltachta agus Gaelscolaíochta (COGG) operate as a satailte of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) to provide advice but in an independent capacity, and that its work continues through the medium of the Irish language.
• It is recommended that the budgets of COGG be ring fenced and distributed at the discretion of COGG.
• The Department of Education and Skills should formulate a complete educational policy for Gaeltacht schools.
• Supports should be provided to Gaeltacht schools to enable them to implement a policy of language immersion education.
Supports for Parents
• Further supports for social events for parents who are trying to raise their families through the medium of the Irish language should be provided.
• Schemes such as Tús Maith language scheme in West Kerry Gaeltacht should be developed and supported
• Further information about the government’s Family Support Programme (Clár Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh) should be made available to the public and it is recommended that the public have a greater role in developing this programme.
• A full review of the information leaflet and information package for new parents should take place to ensure that the most relevant information is provided and the Department should ensure that this information is easily accessible by new/prospective parents.
• The goals of the government’s Family Support Programme should be clarified for the public.
20 Year Strategy for the Irish language
• It is recommended that government addresses the concerns of the Irish speaking community over the implementation of the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish language.
• It is recommended that the stages of the implementation be clarified and that the government provides a thorough outline of the goals and implementation of the strategy as well as short term and long term results.
• It is recommended that the public have access to and are fully informed of decisions made by higher level inter-departmental groups concerning the strategy.
• The community and voluntary sector seeks to have a greater role in the implementatation of the strategy.
Language Planning Process
• It is recommended that Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge and the wider voluntary sector work with Údarás na Gaeltachta and with community organisations to implement the 20 Year Strategy.
• Further clarification is needed about the role of the language planning department of Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in the language planning process.
• Further resources and funding should be supplied to community groups to ensure that they would be enabled to implement language planning policies at a local level.
Language Rights
• The full results of the review of the Official Languages Act should be published and made available to the public.
• The Office of An Coimisinéir Teanga should be fully supported.
• Language rights under the Official Languages Act and Bunreacht na hÉireann as outlined by the Supreme Court in the Ó Beoláin case should be protected and supported.
Irish language Voluntary Sector
• Issues pertaining to the funding of the Irish language voluntary sector should be addressed and every support should be provided for existing aspects of language support structures.
• Full and open discussions between all stakeholders, governments, public service, Irish language organisations and Irish language community should take place in the context of supporting the sector as opposed to destroying the Irish language voluntary sector.
Foilsithe ar Gaelport.com
Celebrating Mí na Gaeilge in Cork
February 27, 2013
Mí na Gaeilge is fast approaching. There will be many events taking place in Gael-Taca and around Cork city to celebrate Mí na Gaeilge during 2013 whcih is also Bliain na Gaeilge.
Here are some upcoming events to suit all ages-
Friday, 1st March 2013
5.30pm – Official Launch –outside Gael-Taca’s centre on O Sullivan’s Quay
Wednesday 6th March: Iontas Gaeilge (Irish Surprise) @ 1.30 i.n.
Keep an eye out for an Irish Suprise in Cork City, if you are around Patrick’s Street at this time!
Thursday 7th March @ 8.00pm.
“Battle of the Bands” will be taking place in the Oliver Plunkett Bar, this is a music competition in which secondary students and college students will be competing. If you are under 18 years old you must have an adult with you.
Friday 8th March @ 7.30pm
Join us for a showing of Irish language short films in Gael-Taca’s Centre with Tadhg Ó Cruadhlaoich. There are 4 short films to be seen and there will be refreshments provided on the night.
Monday 11th March @ 7.30pm
Lecture by Cian Ó Sé
A lecture on the History of Cork Harbour taking place in Gael-Taca’s Centre. Refreshments available on the night.
Tuesday 12th March @ 12.00pm
Welcoming all musicians to our trad session in Gael-Taca’s Centre. We are looking forward to music and craic and there will be refreshments provided also.
Tuesday 12th March @ 7.00pm
Storytelling and music in the City Library.
Sunday 17th March @ 12pm
St Patricks Day Parade
Gael-Taca will be taking part representing the Irish Language – keep an eye out!!
Wednesday 20th March @ 6.30pm.
Table quiz for secondary school students in the Ambassador Hotel in Cork.
Thursday 21st March @ 8pm.
Speed dating as Gaeilge – A Romantic night in Gael-Taca’s centre with a Champagne Reception and conversation, a chance to meet new people.
Friday 22nd March
Conversation Gathering in the city @ 7pm
We will be celebrating the Irish language together in Gael-Taca’s centre with cheese, wine, music and craic!
Saturday 23rd March Children’s day from 2-4pm
Come to Gael-Taca’s centre on this day. There will be facepainting, Irish stories, Irish cartoons and more. An afternoon full of fun for children.
Wednesday 27th March
Raidió na Gaeltachta @ 12.00
Raidió na Gaeltachta will be going out live from Gael-Taca’s centre as we launch our 5 year action plan. Join us on the day or listen to an programme “Saol ó dheas” on Raidió na Gaeltachta.
Saturday 6th April
Lá bailiúcháin Ghael-Taca Beidh Gael-Taca ag bailiú airgead ar an lá sin timpeall na cathrach.
Gael-Taca will be collecting around the City. If you are free, give us a hand and you will receive 30% of what you collect. Give us a few euro’s if you meet the collectors around the City!
Gael Taca organise many Irish language classes conversation circles and cultural events around Cork throughout the year.
For further information contact:
Gael Taca
22 Sullivan’s Quay
Cork.
T: 021-4310841
R: eolas@gael-taca.com
– See more at: http://www.gaelport.com/default.aspx?treeid=163&EventItemID=2081#sthash.mvJ8BEjA.dpuf
Seachtain na Gaeilge in the City of Culture!
February 27, 2013
Seachtain na Gaeilge (Irish Language Week) 2013 is almost here and Derry – City of Culture 2013 – is set to celebrate all things Irish with a programme of Irish language events and activities which runs from 1st – 17th March.
Seachtain na Gaeilge is celebrated every year by communities across the island of Ireland and this year’s festival is extra special as 2013 has been is being marked as the National Year of Irish with Irish language activities taking place across the island throughout the full year.
This year’s festival kicks off with kicks off with the popular annual literary event Éigse Cholmcille, which will be held at The University of Ulster’s Magee campus on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd March, and this year’s speakers will address the theme of the ‘Irish language in the New World’. The year’s Éigse will also explore Irish language journalism in the New World and the history of Irish as a university subject in the United States.
The highlight event for children in this year’s programme is Féile Bheag na Leabhar – The Little Festival of Books, which is the first children’s Irish language book and storytelling festival to take place in the city.
Organised by Derry City Council as part of the Humdinger! Children’s Literature festival and funded by Foras na Gaeilge, Féile Bheag na Leabhar begins on Thursday 7th March and runs until Saturday 9th March and will feature storytelling and book-reading events in Irish for children of all ages.
The programme includes an event to celebrate World Book Day with the celebrated Irish language storyteller Gearóidín Bhreathnach, a modern-day take on the fables and legends of Ireland with writer Séamas mac Annaidh and the launch of the Irish language edition of local author and illustrator Trisha Deery’s charming children’s book ‘Déanann Rosie Réidh’. An Irish language book-fair will be available at all events throughout the festival.
From the 11th – 13th Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin will offer learners of Irish from across the city and district the opportunity to try out for silver and gold fáinne fluency pins as part of the annual Fáinne Scheme. A special evening event will be held on Thursday 14th March at the Cultúrlann, at which the Mayor Derry, Cllr Kevin Campbell will award certificates and fáinní to learners.
On Saturday 16th March the city will celebrate Lá na Gaeilge (Irish Language Day) at Guildhall Square from 12.00pm – 4.00pm. Lá na Gaeilge (Irish Language Day) is a mayoral initiative which aims to be a colourful celebration of Irish language and culture to round off Irish Language Week 2013. Among the events planned are an outdoor céilí, traditional music sessions, an Irish Language Information Point and arts and crafts activities for families. The Walled City Market will also be available from 10am – 4pm.
Irish Language Week comes to a colourful close with the annual St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival on Sunday 17th March and full details of the carnival programme are available by visiting www.derrycity.gov.uk/stpatricksday
To keep up-to-date with all that’s happening over the Irish Language Week period visit Derry City Council’s Irish Language page at www.derrycity.gov.uk/gaeilge or check out local Irish language event listings on Facebook at www.facebook.com/foramphobalnagaeilge
Alternatively you can contact Derry City Council’s Irish Language Officer, Pól Ó Frighil on (028) 71365151 or email gaeilge@derrycity.gov.uk
For all queries in Irish please feel free to call the Council’s Irish Language Line (028) 71376579.
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