Culture Minister launches Líofa 2015 in Derry

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has launched Líofa 2015 in Derry city.
~ Wednesday, 7 December 2011

Líofa, which means fluent in Irish, is an initiative aimed at encouraging 1,000 people from all walks of life across the north to sign up to be fluent in Irish by 2015.

The launch today at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin follows on from earlier launches in Belfast, Magherafelt and Dungiven.

The Minister said: “We have a rich cultural and linguistic heritage on this island. It is something that we should be proud of and something that we should all share and embrace. Irish is one of the oldest languages in the world. It defines who we are and should be protected.

“I want us to reach a position where the Irish language is learnt, spoken and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and traditions. Líofa has been endorsed by people from all walks of life. The initiative was started in early September and now we have 916 signed on to be Líofa.”

Educational Co-Ordinator at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Ciara Nic Lochlainn said: “Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin is delighted to be able to support the Líofa 2015 campaign and will provide the necessary assistance and support to ensure that fluency is achieved by those who sign up for the challenge.

“At Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin we are proud to be able to offer comprehensive Irish language tuition covering a wide range of abilities, with new classes starting in January 2012 for complete beginners.

“Learning a new language takes time and dedication and at first the task may appear daunting, however the benefits of speaking another language are well known. By setting yourself realistic targets this goal can be achieved with the encouragement of organisations such as ourselves.”

The Minister also announced that during the lifetime of the Líofa 2015 initiative her officials will also look into additional ways of providing support to those learning Irish and will be seeking stakeholders from across the community to get involved with helping support those who wish to learn Irish.

While in the city, the Minister launched the Spraoi- Sport Manual and CD which is an innovative physical education programme aimed at the Irish Medium Early Years sector. The programme combines music, songs and games and dance to assist in the delivery of the Early Years Curriculum through the medium of Irish.

Notes to editors:

1. More information about the Líofa challenge including details of how to sign up is available from DCAL website:
2. Those who sign up will be directed to a variety of Irish Language classes and other learning materials that are available in their locality. During the period between 2011 and 2015, those who have signed up will occasionally be contacted by the Department to see how their journey towards fluency is progressing.
3. Media enquiries should be addressed to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure Communications Office Tel 028 9051 5047 or email communications@dcalni.gov.uk . Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.