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14/04/2014
4,000 Take Part In Irish Language Rally
Up to 4,000 people are thought to have taken part in a rally and march at the weekend to demand the promotion and protection of the Irish language in Northern Ireland.
On Saturday afternoon, campaigners marched from the An Chultúrlann language and cultural centre in west Belfast to Custom House Square in the city centre to call for the introduction of an Irish Language Act, an Irish-medium education system and more resources for the Irish-speaking community. Police said up to 4,000 people took part.
The parade follows a Council of Europe report that said the promotion of the Irish language in Northern Ireland is being hampered.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has been a vocal supporter of the campaign and took part in the rally on Saturday. He said the event was "part of a national campaign in support of the rights and entitlements of Irish language speakers across this island."
SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh and Dominic Bradley said: "I congratulate the organisers of today's Lá Dearg event on the great success of the occasion which drew thousands of people to Belfast from all over Ireland.
"The event clearly showed the frustration there is in the Irish language community at the lack of progress in moving forward long standing Irish language issues including the failure to enact Irish language legislation, advance a strategy for the language, and develop an inclusive funding model.
"The situation at Stormont has convinced Irish speakers that the DUP is calling the shots and that the language is stuck in the stalemate. The two governments need to step up to the mark and ensure that the commitments of the Good Friday Agreement are honoured."
(IT/MH)
On Saturday afternoon, campaigners marched from the An Chultúrlann language and cultural centre in west Belfast to Custom House Square in the city centre to call for the introduction of an Irish Language Act, an Irish-medium education system and more resources for the Irish-speaking community. Police said up to 4,000 people took part.
The parade follows a Council of Europe report that said the promotion of the Irish language in Northern Ireland is being hampered.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has been a vocal supporter of the campaign and took part in the rally on Saturday. He said the event was "part of a national campaign in support of the rights and entitlements of Irish language speakers across this island."
SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh and Dominic Bradley said: "I congratulate the organisers of today's Lá Dearg event on the great success of the occasion which drew thousands of people to Belfast from all over Ireland.
"The event clearly showed the frustration there is in the Irish language community at the lack of progress in moving forward long standing Irish language issues including the failure to enact Irish language legislation, advance a strategy for the language, and develop an inclusive funding model.
"The situation at Stormont has convinced Irish speakers that the DUP is calling the shots and that the language is stuck in the stalemate. The two governments need to step up to the mark and ensure that the commitments of the Good Friday Agreement are honoured."
(IT/MH)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Dry with clear skies this evening. Patchy cloud will increase at times overnight, but some clear spells too. Light winds and some patchy shallow mist or fog towards dawn. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
