Census figures show less people are speaking Irish

WHETHER Irish will survive as a living language in Corca Dhuibhne is a question that can be asked following the publication of the small area census figures by the CSO last month.

According to the 2016 census, the number of Irish speakers who use Irish on a daily basis outside the education system in West Kerry has fallen since the last census was taken in 2011.

Apart from Dún Chaoin which has seen a rise in the number of daily users, with a 1.4% increase from 58.6% to 60%, all other areas west of Dingle have experienced a reduction. The Gaeltacht strongholds of Cill Chuáin and Marthain are shown to be dramatically affected with the number of people who stated that they use Irish on a daily basis, shrinking by 11.3% and 7.3% respectively.

The figures from Dingle town paint a similar picture with the number of people declaring for Irish falling now standing at 13.6%, which is a 3.55% drop on the 2011 census figures.

However, people who are involved in the Irish language say that they hear more Irish spoken in Dingle town than previously, despite the figures.

Páidí Ó Sé, bainisteoir of CFCD, the co-ordinators of the Language Plan for the West Kerry Gaeltacht is clear that the situation facing the language is serious and is equally clear on the three areas that they have identified as crucial to halt its attrition.

Firstly, “Caithfidh tuismitheoirí cinneadh a dhéanamh” Without Irish in the home, it will be impossible to sustain Irish as the language of the community. Their ‘Tus Maith’ scheme provides support to families who wish to rear their children in Irish or use more Irish in the home. Education is the second pillar, according to Páidí, and this is partially addressed with the implementation of the new Policy for Education in the Gaeltacht, requiring total immersion of infant classes in the language. Thirdly they aim to establish an Irish speaking activity centre for 8 - 16 year olds.

An Lab, the Irish language arts centre, tasked with developing an Irish language plan for Dingle town, expressed disappointment at the drop in the number of Irish speakers but they are also aware that many townspeople are very anxious about the state of the language in the town.

Working with a local committee, they are currently engaging in research and questionnaires are available in both banks and the Credit Union in Dingle. In the course of their research they report experiencing a lot of goodwill and co-operation.

The local committee are: Micheál Ó Coileáin, Helena Curran, Micheál (Murt) Ó Muircheartaigh, Risteard Mac Liam and Annette Cremin as well as Simon Ó Faoláin and Áine Moynihan of An Lab. The website which is under construction is www.duchasandaingin.ie.