Irish language flourishing in Leitrim, yet Oifigeach Gaeilge role lies vacant

The position of an Oifigeach Gaeilge, or Irish Language Officer, has been vacant since 2012. Irish speakers in Leitrim have been advocating for its reinstatement, noting the growing use of Irish in the county. 

There have been high numbers of enrolment at Leitrim’s two Gaelscoileanna, alongside sizeable attendance at Irish language classes and at Comhrá sessions across the county.

Leitrim County Council returned for its first meeting of the full year with Cllr Cormac Flynn presenting the first motion as Gaeilge.

“We need to employ the services of an Oifigeach Gaeilge. Lots of other counties have them and we had one in the past part-time,” Cllr Flynn said.

“It’s time to live up to our own high expectations of developing the language in the county.”In May of last year, Conradh na Gaeilge made a presentation to Leitrim County Council where they outlined the need for such a position.

Cllr Flynn’s motion was met with widespread support across the board with members emphasising dedication in communities to revitalise the language.

Cllr James Gilmartin noted that the most recent census showed a third of the population of Leitrim speak Irish to a reasonable level.

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“There’s great Conradh na Gaeilge in different parts of the county and I really feel we’re missing a beat here with respect to the cultural impact of the language,” he added.

“The language is in a better place now than it was 20 years ago,” commented Cllr Maeve Reynolds. “It needs to be capitalised now and put someone in a full time role to back that progress up.”

A reply from Mary Quinn, Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services stated that there is no provision in the Council’s 2025 Budget for the position of a full time Oifigeach Gaeilge.

“There is pressure on our resources every year, and in that context there is no provision in 2025 for a full time position,” said Ms Quinn.

Ms Quinn acknowledged the importance of a full time Oifigeach Gaeilge and affirmed the aspirations of those advocating for the position will not be dismissed.

“There are things we can consider in relation to a part time position or the duties being assigned to a particular person, but we will be looking at this in the context of our workforce strategy,” she said. 

Ms Quinn added that the Council adheres to its Irish language obligations and that employing an Irish language officer would need to align with the requirements of a local authority. She emphasised that the role would require clear prioritisation and a focus on specific responsibilities.

Cllr Flynn, who tabled the motion, accepted the response, and added that the position could secure funding and generate revenue for Leitrim, asking Ms Quinn not to rule it out.

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