Emmett McIntyre's blog

News from the Welsh Language Society/Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg: The following is from the organization’s web site (linked below):   

​ A Government motion due to be debated on Tuesday proposes considering renaming the National Assembly and many politicians have argued for giving the law-making body the name 'Welsh Parliament'.

Manon Elin, rights spokesperson for language campaign group Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg comented:

News from the Gaelic League – State Services Continually Not Provided in Gaelic as is Required by Law

Six years in to the “20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010-2030", the Gaelic League has condemned the lack of progress by the Irish government in providing State Services in Gaelic as is required by law. Quoting from the press release issued by the Gaelic league (Full Text Below):

Earlier this year Transceltic reported on a new Welsh law that had come in to effect to counter the impact on the Welsh language heartland caused by property development.  “The Planning (Wales) Act 2015”, requires an assessment of the impact of new property development on the Welsh language.  Prior to planning permission being granted any perceived degradation to the Celtic tongue caused by an inflow of English speakers connected to the real estate venture must be made a “material consideration” as part of the process of obtaining planning permission for new construction

Not much can be added to this article lifted intact from the always excellent website "An Sionnach Fionn", written by  Seamus O’ Sionnaigh. God bless this man, a true champion of Celtic culture:

Government Rejects Secular Irish-Medium School Despite Record Popularity

In September 2013 Glasgow City Council announced a "Four Year Gaelic Language Plan". That plan, in compliance with the Gaelic Language Act of 2005 under which local Councils are required to prepare a plan for promoting and preserving the tongue, seems to be having an impact.

By 2021 there will be an additional 180 highly paid professional positions within the EU bureaucracy for fluent Gaelic speakers.  This has come about as a result of the European Council policy for the upgrading of the Irish Language to “Fully Official EU Status”.

The Swansea chapter of RhAG (Parents for Welsh Medium Education) are submitting a demand to the local Council for two additional Welsh Medium schools to meet surging demand.  There are presently 11 Wesh Medium schools in Swansea but in some districts the number of pupils enrolled in Welsh Medium classes has caused over crowding.

In an Article entitled “Irish is a Necessary Language – The Plight of the Native Speakers..” by journalist and Language Activist Sorcha Ní Chéilleachair, the Author speaks of how the Gaelic Tongue is cherished and respected in Irish speaking communities, of her concerns about the future of the language and her hopes that the living beating heart of the Celtic culture of Ireland will survive.

The following are excerpts from the article in the Irish Times, the full text can be found via the link below.

There are a number of Gaelic Organisations working across Scotland to develop and support the use of the Gaelic language and culture and which could provide support to learning and using Gaelic.  Here is an abridged list of these groups working to preserve our precious Celtic Heritage. See a complete listing at http://www.gaidhlig.org.uk/fdp/en/community/main-gaelic-groups/:

Nova Scotia’s Office of Gaelic Affairs, which works to promote the Gaelic language and ensure that Gaelic culture continues to thrive in Nova Scotia, have sponsored the publication of “Nova Scotia Gaelic On-Line Resources”. This valuable reference tool provides a link to 27 organizations dedicated to the protection, preservation and promotion of the Gaelic Language and culture in Nova Scotia.