Irish language group establishes new centre

AN Irish language and cultural organisation in Tallaght has recently purchased a building in the village that they intend to develop as an Irish language centre for the area.

Gaelphobal Thamhlachta (GT)’s objective is to develop a network of Gaelic speakers in the Tallaght region and eventually establish a level of bilingualism in the area.

“This, we believe, is possible given the history of gaelscolaíocht or Irish language medium education in the area,

? said member Pól Ã? Meadhra.

“There are presently three gaelscoileanna, a secondary school or meánscoil lán Ghaeilge and several naíonraí or Irish language nurseries functioning in the area. Because of the work done by these schools over the last three decades there are literally thousands of people here with a very good command of the language.

“Gaelscolaíocht is a thriving phenomenon nationally and as already outlined particularly so in Tallaght. However, while effective, it is not sufficient on its own to establish the bilingual society which we hope to achieve.

“It is a recognised fact that people generally have little opportunity outside of the school grounds to speak and practice the language. This has obvious implications for the life and survival of the language.

“To remedy this GT provides a range of activities and events for the Tallaght community to use and practice the language on a social basis with other people. These activities include social nights, walks, a monthly dinner and even flash mobs.

“Our most regular activity, the ciorcal chomhrá, takes place every Thursday evening in Molloy’s, Tallaght Village. Through this process GT is steadily building a community of speakers in the region.

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Mr Ã? Meadhra said that with the development of their newly acquired building they envisage that it will act as a hub for a network of language enthusiasts.

“We hope to establish a chaifé Gaelach or an Irish language caifé as part of the centre,

? he revealed.

“We are also working with the youth movement Feachtas in forming a youth club for teenage gaeilgeoirí. A Siopa Leabhar or bookshop is also envisaged for the building.

“There is currently in place a Twenty Year Strategy for the Irish language, unveiled in 2010 by the State, whose objective is to treble the number of daily speakers of the language from 83,000 to 250,000 by 2030,

? Mr Ã? Meadhra added.

“The Ionad Cultúrtha agus Gaeilge is a central part of this strategy to give an impetus for a broader and more widespread usage of the language.

“GT believes that such an objective is realisable, given our success in Tallaght over the last number of years.

?

For more information regarding Gaelphobal Thamhlachta and its activities check out www.gaelphobalthamhlachta.com or Gaelphobal Thamhlachta on Facebook.