Newry Mourne Down Irish Language Strategy approved despite unionist concerns

A council’s new Irish Language Strategy has been approved despite unionist opposition due to a lack of “equality for Ulster Scots”.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s strategy, policy and resources committee signed off on Thursday night (Nov 16) on the “living document” for the advancement of an Irish policy for 2024-27

The Downpatrick chamber heard concerns over equality and costs with other reps “distressed” by the language being used as a “political football” in council.

Mournes DUP rep, Henry Reilly said: "I am not trying to put the Irish language down.

"Some of the comments on the public consultation are very condescending about the unionist community.

"This policy, is going to make it difficult to maintain equality within the council if people who do not have a fluent use of Irish are going to be disadvantaged and I mean that for both protestant and catholic.

"It could create a sort of elite within the council. I have a knowledge fo Irish, I was in the Royal Irish Regiment and there is Irish language all throughout the regiment, so I have no fear of Irish.

"There is an issue of a parity of esteem.

“Kilkeel is one of the heartlands of Ulster Scots, there should be more given to the language of Ullans (Ulster Scots) in our council area.”

Downpatrick Alliance councillor, Cadogan Enright added: "As a member of the Irish speaking community, many of you will know I speak Irish exclusively at home with my children and have been a director of several of Irish speaking schools.

"It has been something of a struggle bringing up my family speaking Irish with the animus that is presented to us frequently.

"I do find it distressing when the Irish language becomes a political football rather than a human rights issue in council.

"I do know Her Majesty’s Government registered that Irish is a recognised European language at Level 3 standing with the supports required.

"I also known Ullans was similarly recognised at Level 2 language and different criteria apply to it.

"The Ulster Scots Agency itself looks to promote Ullans as it should in areas where it was originally spoken, but it does not seek to do so in south Down or seek for parity to be given in that area.

“Furthermore, the amount of support given to a Level 2 regional accent compared to a Level 3 language are very different from a legal point of view.”

Slieve Gullion UUP rep, David Taylor raised his concerns over “cost implications” and the “impact on employees being asked to implement something they may not want to”.

Deputy chairperson, Gareth Sharvin ( SDLP ) spoke in the chamber, saying: "I may not be able to speak fluent Irish, but I can certainly pray in Irish that’s for sure. And this policy will encourage people to speak and learn the language.

“What I would say is that this proposal is dealing with the Irish language and we will have a chance to discuss proposals for Ulster Scots at a committee on Monday (Nov 18).”

The Irish Language Strategy was approved on a vote of 10 for and three against.