Donegal County Council to consider holding meetings through Irish

Donegal County Council will consider holding some of its annual meetings through Irish. 

The suggestion was brought to the March plenary meeting of Donegal County Council by Independent Councillor Micheál Choilm Mac Giolla Easbuig and seconded by Independent Councillor Martin Scanlon, who both spoke in Irish.

The motion stated that, as a local authority serving both the Gaeltacht and non-Gaeltacht areas, the council has a clear leadership role in supporting and promoting Irish as a living language of administration and community engagement. The motion requested the council hold a minimum of three plenary meetings annually through the medium of Irish. 

Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig referred to examples set by other local authorities such as Dublin City Council, Galway City Council and Meath City Council. The councillor further outlined that support is available from Coiste na Gaeilge to ensure that the appropriate supports, training, and resources are put in place to enable elected members and staff to participate confidently and inclusively in the meetings.

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Richard Gibson, Director of Finance, Corporate Services and Information Systems, responded that the council acknowledges and supports the role of the Irish language. However, certain practicalities, rules and frameworks need to be considered and it may require a pilot. 

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme