Write a commentThe principal funders of the Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail Project, Chapel Street, Newry, met on Wednesday 15 February with the Contractor and Design Team to review progress at the site. Considerable ground works, and a gutting of the original Mc Ardle family bungalow have been effected, and the building of the extension to the rear of the property is underway. A Memorandum of Understanding has been agreed by the chief funders (Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge, Newry and Mourne District Council, Comhaltas Uladh) with the Newry Branch of the Gaelic League.
At the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in Bagenal’s Castle, The Mayor, Councillor Charlie Casey, spoke of the long standing partnership between the Council and the Irish Language Community of Newry and Mourne and how the Gaeláras will provide a focus for the tremendous work of the Gaelic League in Newry. Mr. Colin Moffett, Deputy Director of the Council, commented on the Council’s collaboration with a primary funder and with the voluntary, Irish language sector in the city. The building of the Gaeláras complements the Council’s vision for enhancing the cultural life of Newry and Mourne and promoting the cultural and linguistic heritage of the district among visitors and residents. Mr Moffett said “The Gaeláras will provide an enduring legacy of the Council’s commitment to the promotion and development of the Irish Language. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the work of Craobh an Iúir, the Newry Branch of the Gaelic League, in overcoming many obstacles and persevering in their commitment to deliver this much needed resource, Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail to the people of Newry.”
Caoimhín Mac Giolla Mhín, Director of Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge, outlined the Ciste’s mission and commended Council involvement in Ciste’s capital schemes in Newry and South Down:
“Ciste Infheistíochta Gaeilge, the investment fund, was established in the aftermath of funding secured at the Hillsborough Political Agreement. We are focused on ensuring that the necessary physical infrastructure, in the form of community facilities, is in place to assist in the development of the Irish language. The board of Ciste are delighted to be the lead partner in the Newry Gaeláras proposal, and are excited about the prospects of a new state of the art Irish medium educational, social and heritage facility in the city of Newry.
Newry obviously can attract users from a wide radius and the fact that Newry and Mourne Council and others have become involved in this partnership, to me is a firm indication of its potential.
We commend the efforts of the project promoter, Conradh na Gaeilge, and look forward to Gaeláras Mhic Ardghail becoming a vibrant facility providing Irish language services to the people of Newry and Mourne,” concluded Caoimhín Mac Giolla Mhín.
Meanwhile, Gaeláras preparatory and community outreach work is continuing with planned heritage activities with the Newry Bosco and Newry charities, and the imminent launch of a Gaeláras web-site.
