cogarlogo.jpg (1169 bytes) COGAR - Pobal le Gaeilge

COGAR - Pobal le Gaeilge is a new project which was created arising from this seminar to promote the Irish language as a resource economically, socially and culturally among the various sectors (business, community, state) in Letterkenny, and eventually in other towns throughout the county. This initiative is identified as a key project in An Straitéis 2002-2012, the recently launched integrated Economic, Social and Cultural Development Strategy for County Donegal.

Background:


Donegal County Development Board in association with Letterkenny Town Council organised a "Business through Irish" seminar in Letterkenny in 2001. This seminar was organised to promote the use of the Irish language in businesses, in the community and in various other sectors. Speakers from towns and cities across Ireland and Wales told of their own language initiatives.

The focus of the seminar was on Letterkenny as the principal trading, industrial and tourism town for the county. Letterkenny is situated in the east of the county, servicing communities from all parts of Donegal, including the Gaeltacht regions and the offshore islands. It is a big, modern town with all the essential services and it is expanding all the time.The population is increasing. The development of industry, business and entertainment establishments is ongoing.There is plenty of Irish to be heard in Letterkenny. This is evident through the local Irish primary school, secondary school and pre-school, all well established in the town and showing a definite increase in applications for the coming years. There are a number of popular Irish language and Cultural organisations in existence and plenty of Irish courses are available throughout the tear.

The main aim of "COGAR" is to make the Irish language:

  • Visible: In having bilingual signage, advertisements, stationery, estate/placenames, menus etc.

  • Used: In communications, in the media, in entertainment, and generally all round.

  • Viable: As a tourist attraction, in business communications, etc., ie., Economically, Socially and Culturally.

  • Attractive: It is 'Cool' to have ownership of one's native language, part of our heritage and culture. An Ghaeilge looks and sounds nice.

  • Interesting: Gaelic is one of the oldest written languages in Europe. It has great Celtic history and culture attached to it. Our neighbouring countries, Scotland, Wales and France, along with ourselves, are reviving and developing an ghaeilge through writing, song, dance, art/placename displays, courses, seminars etc. Oideas Gael is renowned for its variety of Irish course participants from all parts of the world

  • Available: There are plenty of Irish courses available. A lot of businesses have Irish speakers employed. Irish speakers use and are willing to speak it anytime, anyplace. Signs displaying the Irish language are used in most public places and buildings.

 

"Dhá theanga, dhá rogha" - "Two languages, two choices"

COGAR is supported by Foras na Gaeilge, Donegal County Council, Donegal County Development Board, Letterkenny Town Council.

There are various bodies, ie., Local Authority, Educational, Local Development Companies, Private, Community and Voluntary sectors involved in the COGAR Partnerships.

 

Contact:

Caitlín Uí Chochlainn
An Rannóg Pobail, Fiontair agus Seirbhísí Cultúrtha,
Comhairle Contae Dhún na nGall,
Leitir Ceanainn
Co. Dhún na nGall.

Guthán: 074-94276
Facs: 074-94394
R-phost:

 

September 2002