DONEGAL AIRPORT (Aerphort Dhún na nGall) is celebrating the prestigious Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge certification, a recognition they received because of their dedication to the Irish language.
The certification requires businesses to offer full bilingual services, both spoken and written, and signifies awareness of and commitment to bilingualism in business and culture through language.
“This is the world’s first certification that assesses a business’s bilingual ability,” explained Mary O’Brien, a Language Planning Officer in the Rosses.
Mary has been instrumental in guiding the airport towards their achievement.
Mary O’Brien, a Language Planning Officer in the Rosses.
She explained that the airport’s journey to success began when they signed up for the Gradam Gnó with Glór na nGael, earning a gold award for their service, marketing and branding efforts.
The next step was the Q-Mharc award, the highest certification available, and one that only 25 other companies in Ireland have received.
“They’ve earned this thanks to the staff’s commitment,” Mary explained.
“They consistently put the language first.”
From the moment you step into Donegal Airport or visit their website or social media, the focus on the Irish language is evident. The staff’s commitment to the language extends beyond their work duties. They also attend weekly Irish language classes and many of them participate in a 10-week mentoring programme called Gael Chara, where mentors work with learners to improve their Irish.
Each year, ten businesses are selected to undergo the certification process, but only five typically succeed. This year, just three businesses achieved the award, including Donegal Airport.
Donegal Airport was secretly assessed over the summer, passing the evaluation with only one minor recommendation, which has since been addressed.
“When I think about my job, I think of those who want to learn Irish, those who speak it occasionally, and those who are proficient,” Mary said.
“We have to cater to all three, and Donegal Airport is doing that.
“They truly deserve this award.”
The Management of Donegal Airport were equally as delighted to be presented with the Q-Mharc award.
“This award is given in recognition of our continued commitment to the use of the Irish Language throughout all aspects of our business, from our branding and signage, marketing and promotion, right through to customer service,” a spokesperson for the airport told the Donegal News.
A former Irish secondary school teacher, Mary is deeply passionate about promoting the Irish language. In her role as Language Planning Officer, she works with schools and the wider community in the Rosses to promote Irish.
“As Irish language planning officers, we work hard with businesses to help them use and promote Irish. I call it ‘ár dteanga, ar ngnó’.”
This year, a number of businesses in the Rosses which Mary has worked with, received the Gradam Gnó in the special ceremony hosted in Croke Park last month. These businesses include Siopa XL Joe, Lon Dubh, Spóirt Uisce na Carraige Finne, Caife Cheann Cuain, Cara na nOileán, An Bád Farantóireacht Dearg and Bád Farantóireacht Gorm.
Three local clubs also received the Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha award, which encourages the use of Gaeilge within GAA clubs. They were Naomh Muire, CLG na Rossa, and CLG An Chlochán Liath, who were awarded Gradam Óir.
“I see the Irish language going from strength to strength, and it’s inspiring to see the pride and progress in our community,” Mary said.
