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Ministers discuss expanding Líofa initiative in rural areas

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill and Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín met today to discuss broadening the appeal of the Líofa initiative in rural areas.
~ Thursday, 9 February 2012

The initiative aims to encourage 2015 people from all walks of life across the North to sign up to becoming fluent in Irish by 2015.

Speaking afterwards Minister O’Neill said: “Having signed up to the initiative myself, I am aware how it has captured people’s interest across the north and I am particularly encouraged by interest shown in rural areas. I will do all that I can to ensure my Department helps promote the initiative to those living in rural areas.

“At today’s meeting I have agreed that DARD will help further promote and develop the Líofa initiative in rural areas by organising three further localised Líofa launches outside of Belfast and Derry. It is expected that these will be held in the coming months.

“In addition to these, the Líofa initiative will be promoted at this year’s Balmoral Show and also across the DARD Direct offices. I will also promote it to staff throughout my own Department and will also work to explore other ideas for its overall promotion.”

Minister Ní Chuilín added: “Since the Líofa initiative was launched last September there has been a hugely encouraging response. I have met people from all backgrounds and walks of life across the North, and seen how the Irish languages is a unifying force which is a vital part of our shared cultural heritage.

“Mar Aire, tá mé go mór i bhfách le tacaíocht a thabhairt do lucht foghlama na Gaeilge agus iad ag teacht ar an Ghaeilge agus á tuiscint. Cuireann sé ríméad orm nuair a thacaíonn comhghleacaithe Feidhmeannais leis an fheachtas agus tréaslaím le Michelle as a tiomantas do Líofamar Aire agus mar dhuine. Déanfaimid teagmháil i gcuideachta a chéile leo siúd i gceantair thuaithe leis an tionscnamh corraitheach seo a leathnú agus a fhorbairt.”

Notes to editors:

  1. To sign up to Líofa, log on to the DCAL website.
  2. All media queries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email pressoffice.group@dardni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.