Much More Irish Speakers Needed To Save Language

The Gaeltacht Minister has warned Ireland needs 250,000 more Irish speakers by 2028 to save the language.

Speaking during a visit to the US, TD Eamon O'Cuiv called for more courage and leadership to ensure the native tongue thrives in a globalised world.

Estimates at present suggest as many as 50,000 people speak Irish as their first language with roughly 100,000 being reasonably fluent, according to the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

The minister was in New York launching an Irish language programme in the City University of New York (CUNY) based in the Bronx.

Although the Bronx was historically an Irish and Italian district, it is heavily populated by Hispanics.

Mr O'Cuiv said the Celtic Tiger boom triggered an international renaissance of Irish culture.

"Part of this results from the development of links between Ireland and the approximately 50 universities and third level institutions worldwide that teach the Irish language and Celtic Studies, and the provision of funding for this work.

"Fulbright cements the traditionally strong ties between our nations and builds on the initiative of Presidents John F Kennedy and Eamon de Valera, who founded the American Irish Foundation during Mr Kennedy’s presidential visit to Ireland in 1963."

The Government is preparing a 20-year strategy for the Irish language, due to be launched before the end of the year.

(DW/JM)