Pictured at the launch of Inis Dom are (L-R): Leah Ní Thailtigh, Language Planning Officer, An Clár as Gaeilge; Domhnall Ó Loingsigh, Secretary, An Clár as Gaeilge; Emer O’Flaherty, Musician and Campaign Ambassador; Paul Flanagan, former Clare hurler and Campaign Ambassador; Teresa Ní Riain, Irish Language Development Officer, An Clár as Gaeilge; and Ruairí Henchy, Irish Language Development Officer/Communications Officer, Clare County Council. Photograph: Paul Corey
AN INITIATIVE aimed at increasing the promotion of the Irish language in the retail and service sectors of Ennis town has been launched.
Clare County Council and An Clár as Gaeilge have banded together to launch the Inis Dom campaign. It aims to highlight the economic and cultural benefits of integrating Irish into business.
Co Clare has the second-highest proportion of Irish speakers of any county in the State at 47%. Aiming to capitalise on this, the Inis Dom initiative encourages businesses to use Irish in customer service, signage, menus, websites and social media, with support provided through assistance with funding, translation services, training and promotional resources.
Two-time All-Ireland winning Clare hurler, Paul Flanagan who is also an analyst on TG4 is a campaign ambassador for Inis Dom. “Irish is part of our identity in Clare. It’s great to see local businesses embracing the language and making it part of everyday life. Inis Dom is a brilliant way to bring Irish into the community in a practical and positive way,” the Ballyea man said.
Emer O’Flaherty, singer, composer and musician and fellow ambassador, added, “Language and culture go hand in hand. I’m delighted to support Inis Dom because it creates a space where Irish is visible, heard, and celebrated. It’s about making the language accessible and enjoyable for everyone”.
Inis Dom is supported by Foras na Gaeilge under the Business Support Scheme, which provides funding for bilingual signage and resources to help businesses engage with the Irish language. The initiative is also supported by Glór na nGael, Ennis Chamber, Ennis 2040 and Clare’s Local Enterprise Office.
‘Frásaí Beaga, Tionchar Mór – Small Phrases, Big Impact’ is the motto of the campaign motto, Ruairí Henchy, Irish Language Development Officer and Communications Officer with Clare County Council outlined. He said they are attempting “|to take Irish off the pages of books and into the streets and businesses of Ennis and beyond. Shoppers are encouraged to start with, ‘Dia duit – Hello’ and to watch out for the Inis Dom! badge and sticker when shopping in Ennis”.
Leah Ní Thailtigh, Language Planning Officer, An Clár as Gaeilge commented, “Inis Dom builds on Ennis’s status as an Irish Language Network by making Irish more visible and usable in everyday business. This campaign gives local enterprises the tools and support to bring the language to life in practical ways”.
Participation in the initiative is free, and businesses receive tailored support to help them incorporate Irish in their operations. To join the scheme and receive support for your business contact: anclarasgaeilge@gmail.com
