Public debate on the Gaeltacht Quarter

by Darren Mac an Phríora Fri Aug 04, 2006 16:23

It would be very helpful if the bus tours that go down to the Falls Road would actually tell people where An Chultúrlann is.

by Seán Sat Aug 05, 2006 17:25

That will happen when the area becomes a Gaeltacht quarter. West Belfast needs a lot of social housing. I don't think I know any areas in Dublin (where I live) that are as deprived as West Belfast. I have no problems going there but the area is not a turn on for most tourists. I would knock down a lot of the houses and replace them with social houses as is happening in some parts of the South. I would focus on that, although I certainly am in favour of increasing the visiblity of Irish in the area, and Forbairt Feirste are to be commended for the work they are doing.

by Ciarán Sat Aug 05, 2006 19:43

Darren:
It would be very helpful if the bus tours that go down to the Falls Road would actually tell people where An Chultúrlann is.

I've seen a bus tour that goes down the Falls Road, but it turns left and goes down Broadway just before you come to An Chultúrlann. It's a pity too, because the place has an interesting history.

Seán:
That will happen when the area becomes a Gaeltacht quarter. West Belfast needs a lot of social housing. I don't think I know any areas in Dublin (where I live) that are as deprived as West Belfast. I have no problems going there but the area is not a turn on for most tourists.

True enough. Most tourists who do come to West Belfast would be there for the mural tour or some other political aspect like that. Of course when it comes to Féile an Phobail the place usually becomes quite busy; it's apparently one of the biggest community festivals in Europe. (And there's also the Ardoyne Fleadh and the New Lodge Festival in the North that are doing a lot of the same good work.)

by Buck Sun Aug 06, 2006 01:14

Sinn Féin use the Irish language for politcal purposes and West Belfast is mostly SF supporting, apart from a lot of young people who like to rob cars and respondingly get kneecapped by certain people. Interestingly, despite the "strength" of Sinn Féin, West Belfast has the highest rates of cars getting robbed in Western Europe.

Sinn Féin are mostly a shambles on the Irish language, and their attempt to make themselves bilingual within 10 years is a joke.

There is more genuine interest in the Irish language in FG and the PD's than there is in SF. West Belfast is a ghetto propounded by SF, and they like it that way.

by Darren Mac an Phríora Mon Aug 07, 2006 03:32

I don't know if I agree with Buck, but I certainly agree that West Belfast needs social housing and is not a turn-on for most tourists.

I find it surprising that Gerry Adams has not been put forwarding this issue, not that I have heard of anyway.

There is a dearth of interest in most political parties in Ireland in the Irish language, which reflects the position on the ground. Sure, there are enough Irish speakers in political parties to represent Irish language issues, but the situation could be whole lot better. Irish language activists (providing they are not arrogant, as some are) are knocking on an open door when bringing up issues about Irish with most politicans in the South.

That most Irish speakers don't "walk through the door" is indicative of the laziness of Irish people generally.

The number of careerists in the Irish language movement disgusts me. However (for all you anti-Irish language fools) I don't think that we are any more "careerist" than members of political parties, or of Churches or charity organisations etc.

The Irish language movement has, broadly, failed to realise that the support is there for Irish throught the country- just as much so amongst non-Irish speakers. When they do, occassionly, ralise many behave arrogantly (like language movements with an offical bent do).

Laziness- its the moral sin of mankind.

by Darren Mac an Phríora Mon Aug 07, 2006 03:35

"Laziness- its the moral sin of mankind."

Laziness is both immoral and mortal.

by dukeofa Mon Aug 07, 2006 20:08

if you all feel strongly about it go to the debate and make your views for or against known. thats where it counts!!

by Duine Mon Aug 07, 2006 20:36

Tá súil agam go mbeidh cuntas ar an oíche ag duine éigin anseo.

Beirigí bua!

by Darren Mac an Phríora Mon Aug 07, 2006 22:20

Dukeofa,

I'm definetly in favour of it, but I will be unable to go to Belfast that day. While I doubt there would be any rational Irish speakers against it throughout the country, it is for the people of West Belfast to discuss. They are already showing the lead with Irish language signage outside of the Gaeltacht.

by Seán Thu Aug 10, 2006 15:21

How did the discussion go?