North Donegal Language Plan launched
The North Donegal Language Plan was launched on the evening of Thursday, 18th November 2021. A very historic event for the North Donegal Language Planning Area took place in Rosgoil College, Downings. Minister Jack Chambers launched the Language Plan. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, only a small number of people were allowed, but representatives from the areas in the Language Planning Area were present during the event. The Language Plan covers the areas of Fanada, Rosgoil, Glenbarr, Creslough, Asylum and Glendown, and this Language Plan is owned by all the communities in the LPT. Coiste Céim Aniar is the lead organization for the Language Plan for the North Donegal Language Planning Area and is responsible for preparing and implementing the Language Plan.
Aniar Mac Laifeartaigh and Fear Tí Chairman of the Stage kicked off the event by welcoming Jack Chambers, Government Chief Whip and Minister for the Gaeltacht, Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta, all special guests and all present to Rosgoil. Aodh Mac Laifeartaigh described the history of Céim Aniar, the Leading Language Planning Organization for North Donegal LPT and spoke about the history of the College. He stated that the whole community owned the Plan and that positive results are expected in the future. Éamonn De Valera first opened the College in 1952.
Kevin Baird, Chairman of the North Donegal Language Planning Area Steering Committee, spoke. He described the extensive work involved in preparing the Plan and thanked all those who had worked so hard to bring it to fruition. He praised Colm Mac Fhionnghaile, who wrote the Language Plan and thanked him for providing a comprehensive agenda for the whole area. He commended Oisín Mac Éo, the first Language Planning Officer appointed for his excellent work and wished Póilín Ó Ghallachóir every success as the newly appointed Language Planning Officer for LPT North Donegal. He thanked Údarás na Gaeltachta for assisting with preparing and implementing Language Plans throughout the Gaeltacht. He also thanked the Language Planning Committees throughout North Donegal for their excellent work in putting the Plan together. He praised them all for their volunteer work to develop and promote the Irish language. The Development Officers who were employed from the beginning of the process but especially Anna Nic Lochlainn, were commended for the excellent work she has been doing and continues to do.
Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Chief Executive of Údarás na Gaeltachta spoke about the importance of the language plans. He said that the Language Planning Area was very spacious. However, he was very pleased with the support from the whole community in relation to immersion education and the development of the Irish language. He thanked the staff of Údarás na Gaeltachta, Séamas Ó Gallachóir, Language Planning Executive and Áine Uí Dhochartaigh, Language Planning Executive for their central role in the process in the North Donegal Gaeltacht.
Minister Jack Chambers stated that he was delighted to be present and was delighted to officially launch the Language Plan, Language Planning Area. He said that twenty-five Language Plans had been approved, including the Central Gaeltacht Language Plan. The Minister praised the important role played by the local community in the preparatory work for the plan and thanked Colm Mac Fhionnghaile for the comprehensive language plan he had written. Frances Nic Géadaigh, Raidió na Gaeltachta was thanked for attending, and Frances spoke to people from the various areas throughout the LPT on the night. The interviews were part of the Barrscéalta program the following day. Peggy Ryder presented a gift to Minister Jack Chambers on behalf of the entire LPT area, and Caoimhe Ní Mhaoileoin, in company with Eunan Doherty, provided beautiful music at the beginning and end of the event. Nice refreshments were available, and everyone in attendance had a very enjoyable evening. Sincere thanks to everyone who helped before and during the event.
