LIONRA Leitir Ceanainn joined 40 Irish Language and Gaeltacht groups across the country as they protested at the cuts in funding which have been announced by Foras na Gaeilge.
The staff at Líonra Leitir Ceanainn and Glór na nGael were supported in the strike on Wednesday last, which took place outside Líonra Leitir Ceanainn’s office, by a number of local representatives including Cllr Gerry McMonagle (Sinn Féin), Cllr. Donal Coyle (Fianna Fail) Cllr Tomas Devine (100% Redress), Cllr Jimmy Brogan (Ind) and locals who expressed their solidarity on the day. The strike received excellent local and national media coverage with Ailbhe Ó Monacháin from TG4 conducting interviews which were carried in the TG4 and RTE news bulletins.
The half day strike was organised to call on the Irish Government and on the Stormont Executive to reverse the cuts of €820,000 to the Foras na Gaeilge budget immediately and also to urgently address the long term problem of insufficient investment in the Irish Language.
“There must be a recognition of the huge growth in the Irish language sector and the need to provide investment in a manner which allows and encourages the Irish Language to flourish,” said Aisling Mhic Aodha, Irish Language development officer at Líonra Leitir Ceanainn.
Líonra Leitir Ceanainn is the dedicated Irish Language Office in Letterkenny that provides opportunities for both fluent speakers and learners to practice and learn the language. It runs Irish language classes for adults and children, a book club, a Summer Camp, a Club Óige , cultural Festivals at various times throughout the year , many other family events through the medium of Irish and of course provides on going support to local business who wish to have Irish language Signage present in their business. They signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce earlier this month formalising the commitment by both parties to continue this work.
“These cuts put this work in jeopardy to the detriment of businesses in the town and the detriment of families and individuals who want the Irish language to be an integral part of their lives,” added Ms Mhic Aodha.
