Usáid do theanga, mar deireann Ollscoil

College’s Irish language scheme has been launched by Éamon Ó Cuív, the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The scheme, which is to run for three years, sets out to improve bilingual services available to staff, students and the wider public. In order to do so, they aim to develop staff training and recruitment and improve bilingual customer services, College websites and publications, media and information technology as well as the promotion of Irish as a language in the college and in broader society.
Ó Cuív hopes to develop Trinity’s Irish Language Student Residency Scheme, whereby groups of Irish speaking students live in student accommodation together. College plans on further commitment with existing Irish language organizations, and the strengthening of the Irish language with alumni and wider society.
The Provost, Dr. John Hegarty, declared that Trinity is committed to the promotion of the Irish language throughout the College. He further commented on the support the scheme will give to those Irish language societies currently in place in the College – such as the Cumann na Gaelach which boasts 900 members.
Irish Language Officer Aonghus Dwane hailed the scheme as “the fruit of wide consultation in the College community and the co-operation and advice of Coiste na Gaeilge and the official Language Act working group”. Former Irish Language Officer and current Students’ Union President, Cónán Ó Broin, hailed the scheme as “the way forward for the college”.
The scheme relates to Section 11 of the Official Language Act 2003, and coincides with the College Strategic Plan 2009-2014, which aims to raise Trinity’s profile as a centre for academic and Irish cultural activity. The 32-page document of the scheme can be accessed online via the College Communications Office.
In Ó Cuív’s launch speech, he highlighted that the “headline objective of the proposed 20-year Strategic Plan for Irish is to increase the number of people who are functionally bilingual in Irish and English and specifically, to increase the number of daily speakers from 85,000 to 250,000 and to increase the total number of those with Irish from 1.6 million to 2 million”. He recognised the challenge of such an objective, yet is “confident” that it will be achieved.
College did not disclose the costs of the Irish language scheme. Much of the funding for Irish projects in College comes from Foras na Gaelige, the governing body for the Irish language. Such projects are dependent on this funding as well as further aid from external stakeholders.
The Minister further hailed Cumann na Gaelach, one of the largest Irish societies in the country, as giving Irish “a vibrant presence on campus”.
One of Cumann na Gaelach’s main initiatives is “Éigse na Tríonóide”; Trinity’s language festival. Events include a gathering of students in red t-shirts to create the shape of an Irish heart in front square. A Céilí Mór is to take place at Trinity Hall on Tuesday evening.
Wednesday sees the debating workshop final where they will be joined by TG4 broadcaster, Máirtín Tom Sheáinín. Following this, Irish group Aslan will be playing a gig alongside the Hounds of Cullan in the Village, Wexford Street.
The week’s festivities are to be rounded up in the Pavilion Bar from 3pm on Friday afternoon. All information detailing the week’s activities can be found on Cumann na Gaelach and the Irish Language Office website.