TIME TO GEAR UP FOR ACHT GAEILGE ARRIVAL

LAST May with some 20,000 others I attended the Lá Dearg rally in Belfast. This event was organised by An Dream Dearg in response to the continuous delay in implementing the long-promised Acht Gaeilge.
 
It was a great day out. Despite the understandable frustration and anger among the Irish language community, the atmosphere of the day was one of celebration, of positivity and inspiration.
 
There was a singing, chanting sea of red-draped Gaelgeoirí all along the Falls and into the city centre. Oul’ lads, old ladies, family groups, teenagers, middle-aged couples. And children. Tons and tons and tons of bright-eyed, excited paistí chanting ‘Dearg le Fearg!’ Gaels galore. All determined and cheerfully facing the future.
 
It was also obvious from the platform speeches that the organisers were already planning their next initiatives.
 
Féile an Phobail saw the first manifestation of this. The campaign group hosted the launch of their Lámhleabhar Chearta Teanga (Language Rights Handbook). The handbook examines the challenges and opportunities posed by the incoming Acht Gaeilge. It gives an overview of the most significant changes that a community whose rights have been denied for so long should expect and be entitled to.

The launch was complemented by an all-female panel discussion with five activists giving fascinating accounts of the trials and tribulations that they have faced on their respective journeys. All of them are former pupils of Gaelscoileanna who have used their experience of fighting for their basic rights in actively demanding better for future generations. Ábhar mór dóchais. I was delighted to be in the audience and to be uplifted by the passion, clarity of thinking and strategising of these leaders.
 
Earlier that day, I was told that the same group had launched their new website. Fittingly named dearg.ie, the site centralises community voices and connects local people with decision makers. It informs them of their council’s current bilingual street signage policy, policies which often place unjustifiable obstacles in the way of those who wish to see their native language on signage. The site informs and encourages users to apply, or to challenge or to demand better, based on their council’s current provision.
 
The work of language rights activists right across the north is proving transformational in solidifying the message that Pobal na Gaeilge are no longer willing to be treated as second class citizens in the north and that the days of hear no Irish, see no Irish, speak no Irish are a thing of the past.
 
Over the next number of months Irish language legislation will progress through the British House of Commons on its legislative journey. However, after listening to those women on the panel there is no doubt that this is only the beginning for them. What has been achieved so far has been achieved without an Acht. So the future is bright. I have great confidence in those who are helping to shape it.

There is still plenty to do for cearta teanga here in the north and indeed across the island. But it is clear that An Dream Dearg’s campaign will continue until the long awaited promise of rights, recognition and respect are fulfilled.

Maith sibh!
 
The Lámhleabhar sets out some of the actions that can be taken now to advance language rights. These include:

•Apply for a bilingual street sign in your area
•Challenge local councils to ensure that they are providing services to Irish speakers.
•Use the power of social media
•Support language campaigns
•Don’t sit around and wait. Act now!

It provides clear instructions on how each of these can be used. The Lámhleabhar Chearta Teanga can be accessed on the new Dream Dearg website www.dearg.ie