Councillor asks for translation of Irish language project applications

A Mid Ulster District Councillor has asked for a description of Irish language events to be provided in English.

DUP Carntogher representative, Councillor Kyle Black was speaking at a meeting of Council’s development committee.

During a discussion on the Council’s culture and arts update, attention turned to the applications for Irish Language Activity Grants for the 2020-2021 financial year.

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Members were made aware of 15 projects that had been deemed successful, however, Councillor Black explained he had a slight issue with being asked to agree to approving a report he was not able to understand.

“I am uncomfortable with this,” said Cllr Black. “As a non-Irish speaker the report simply lists the projects in Irish and as a result I am unclear what the project actually is.

“It is not that I would necessarily have a problem with any of the projects but could members be provided with a description of the project in English so that those of us who do not speak Irish can understand what the project is.”

In response, Council’s Head of Culture and Arts Tony McCance said: “Sorry Councillor I accept that, yes.

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“We will make sure that in future we will apply a descriptor there in English to explain what the project actually is.”

Meanwhile, the committee was informed that the proposed development of an Irish language site would not cost Council anything.

A proposal was put forward to develop a Mid Ulster District Council Irish language site populated with new material and during the discussion Dungannon DUP councillor, Kim Ashton, queried if this would be a new website and how much it would cost.

Council’s Head of Culture and Arts, Tony McCance explained that the proposals is in relation to social media sites.

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“That is in relation to literally our social media sites as opposed to our website, there is no new Council website,” he said.

He also clarified that when the report states that Irish language can be delivered in all primary schools, it is not compulsory.

“This service will be made available for those that want to avail of it,” said Mr McCance.

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