Annual Highlights
Annual Highlights 2011
A look back at some of the highlights and achievements of Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge in 2011.
Information Services
• Gaelport.com was awarded with an Irish Web Award for the best Irish language website for the second year in a row, and was nominated for an Irish Digital Media Award.
• A Web App for Smartphones was developed for Gaelport.com.
• Over 2,100,000 visitors used Gaelport.com during the year, with 80% of those located in Ireland.
• 7,477 subscribers to EOLAS, a fortnightly ezine.
• 2,496 subscribers to As Na Nuachtáin a daily news digest.
• Redesign of Gaelport.com homepage to place greater emphasis on social media, the five main
news streams, and content which is updated daily.
• Events Diary: an events calendar detailing Irish language events around the world was enhanced throughout the year, with additional features.
• Jobs: the online recruitment resource on Gaelport.com was developed further throughout the year with 97 Irish language vacancies advertised in 2011.
• Courses: the online resource detailing training courses, and classes was further developed throughout 2011, with 75 courses being advertised on Gaelport.com in 2011.
• Continuous development was undertaken on social, digital, and multimedia platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Vimeo.
• 931 subscribers to Cogar, an electronic information service targeting Irish language broadcasters.
• A regular column written by Gaelport.com staff appeared in Foinse every Wednesday which provided a platform for work being undertaken in the sector.
Official Languages Act 2003
• 5 submissions were made to public bodies preparing draft language schemes under the Official Languages Act 2003.
• Information provided to the public and to public bodies in relation to the Official Languages Act 2003.
• A publicity campaign was held to encourage the public to use Irish language services.
20 Year Irish Language Strategy
• A series of public lectures entitled: The Irish Language in Your Area: Your Language; Your Community; Your Choice were held in Limerick, Dungarvan and Cork. These seminars gave the public an opportunity to express their views in relation to the Strategy, and to discuss how the Strategy could be implemented in their area in order to achieve a Gaeltacht Network in their area.
Advocacy
• Actively participated on the Coiste Seasta ar an nGaeloideachas, a committee for Irish language medium education. An Chomdháil also played an active role on the committee: Meitheal Oibre ar Thaighde, and assisted in organising a Research Seminar.
• Actively participated in the campaign which aimed to achieve a Language Act for Northern Ireland.
• A campaign in support of the Irish language as a subject at Leaving Certificate level was held in the lead up to the 2011 General Election. The campaign focussed on political parties, independent candidates and the general public.
• A campaign in support of the Irish language was held among candidates for the Irish Presidency.
Forum of Core-Funded Organisations
• An Chomhdháil played a central role in the Forum of Core-Funded Organisations, to address changes in the sector in conjunction with its member organisations, other core-funded organisations and both States.
Buntáiste Breise na Gaeilge Irish language Careers Road-show
• Over 1,400 students from 45 secondary schools attended seminars across the country entitled Buntáiste Breise na Gaeilge which discussed the advantages and career opportunities which fluency in the Irish language can present.
Cuireadh Chun Cainte DVD for Leaving Certificate Students
• A practical resource in the form of a DVD, guidebooks and advisory seminars was developed and delivered for those taking the Irish language oral at Leaving Cert level from 2012 onwards. This work was carried out in conjunction with Comhar na Múinteoirí Gaeilge.
Radio Skills Workshop
• A radio skills workshop was held in conjunction with Raidió na Life, for those working with Irish language organisations, and for community workers who promote the language.
The Poets’ Tour
• Full attendance at all events held as part of this cultural exchange between Ireland and Scotland. Once again this year there was great interest in the bilingual poetry competition held as part of the festival.
An Fáinne
• Sales of An Fáinne Óir, An Fáinne Airgid, and An Seanfháinne remained strong this year, with most transactions occurring through the new online shop.
Mass Leaflets
• Mass leaflets were successfully delivered to parishes across the country throughout the year.
Annual Highlights 2010- Buaiceanna na Bliana 2010.docx