Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr has today pledged her support for those taking part in the Irish language strike in protest at cuts to cross border language funding.
Speaking during Chairpersons Business at today’s Full Council meeting at the Guildhall, Mayor said she wanted to raise the issue at the Council meeting to raise awareness of the half-day strike has been prompted by cuts by the Irish Language Agency – Foras na Gaeilge and to pledge her support for the Irish language.
She said: “Around a quarter of the Foras na Gaeilge’s funding is from the Stormont Executive and around three-quarters is from the Irish Government.
“Foras na Gaeilge has said it has to make savings of more than €800,000 (£669,000) in 2025 and that will mean funding cuts to some groups operating in Northern Ireland, including in Derry.
“More than 40 language organisations across the island of Ireland are taking part in the strike action today, Wednesday 26 February 2025.
“This is the first time that the Irish language and Gaeltacht community had taken such action and Irish language organisations are encouraging both governments to reverse the cuts and to put into place a long-term solution to the funding crisis.
“As a Council we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all cultural identities are respected.
“As Mayor of this City and District I think it is vitally important that we acknowledge the significance of the Irish language within our city’s diverse cultural landscape and pledge our support towards this campaign for an end to the cuts and a long term funding solution to be found.”
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