Minister Launches Líofa In Carntogher

The north's languages Minister Carál Ní Chuilín has launched the Líofa campaign in Carntogher, Co Derry.

The initiative encourages people to learn Irish with the goal of becoming fluent by 2015.

The Minister said: "I welcome this opportunity to visit Carntogher and see how the Irish language is thriving. This is a living example of a rural community embracing Irish at grass roots level and creating a vibrant Galetacht area.

"I am particularly pleased to hear about the courses, workshops and initiatives on offer at An Carn to help people achieve Líofa. Through their support and encouragement, An Carn is helping to build the momentum around the Irish language both locally and as part of a growing movement in the north.

"As Minister, I am here to acknowledge this and offer my support to the great work going here.

"Since Líofa was launched last September, I have visited towns and cities across the north to showcase the initiative. But I am especially keen to promote Líofa in rural areas, and recently met with Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill to discuss ways of supporting the development of Irish in these communities.

"Having met people from all backgrounds and walks of life – at various stages on their journey learning the language – I see how the Irish is a unifying force which is a vital part of our shared cultural heritage."

They had initially set the target of 1,000 participants but now have more than 1,600 people committed to Líofa. The new target is 2,015 people by 2015.

(GK)