Condemnation after 'threats' to Irish language class

Threats made to organisers of an Irish language class in Castlerock in County Londonderry have been condemned by local politicians.

The classes, which were billed as being for beginner Irish speakers, were to be held at the council-owned Peter Thompson Hall in the village. A registration event for the class did not go ahead as planned after the threats were made.

The Coleraine Chronicle first reported that organisers of the class and Causeway Coast and Glens Council were made aware of the threats, which were allegedly made by loyalist paramilitaries., external

“We will not accept threats of violence and intimidation by those who seek to drag us into the past,” Social Democratic and Labour Party assembly member Cara Hunter said.

‘No place in our society’

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed on Thursday that information had been received on Monday, “in relation to threats made to the Peter Thompson Hall in Castlerock, where a beginners’ Irish conversation class was scheduled to take place”.

They said inquiries into the circumstances were ongoing.

The council has declined to comment.

In a statement, Hunter said: "Attacks of this nature on the Irish language are appalling and have no place in our society.

“I call on the executive and the PSNI to take every action possible to hold those responsible to account, and to work to ensure that everyone in our society, regardless of religion or where they reside, have the opportunity to learn Irish or whatever language they choose free from the threat of violence or intimidation.”

Former Justice Minister Claire Sugden said threats “of any kind and for any reason are deplorable”.

Speaking to BBC News NI, independent unionist assembly member Sugden said the threats were “not representative or accepted by our community in Castlerock".

“Those making the threats need to stay out of other peoples’ lives and interests. Rather than making threats, they should join a class, they may learn something about tolerance and community," she said.