17 Nov 2005

University College Cork (UCC) launches Bilingual Website, 18 November

University College Cork launches Bilingual Website

University College's Cork commitment to Irish will be further demonstrated on 18 November next with the launch of the bilingual version of its website. UCC has long had a formal policy for the advancement of Irish. Through Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha and Bord na Gaeilge Committee at UCC, a wide range of initiatives are supported with a view to providing a sustained Irish Language presence throughout the campus. The core student number attending language programmes in Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha now numbers 1630 or in other words about 10% of the total student population and this high figure represents a 12.8% increase on the previous year's figure (2003/2004).  An increase of 4.4% was also recorded in regard to the number of students participating in language schemes and networks.

According to Pól Ruiséal, Stiúrthóir an Ionaid, "The total student cohort coming into sustained contact with Irish in UCC through both taught programmes and schemes/networks during 2004-2005 reached an overall figure of 3292.  This figure represents an increase of 9.1% on the figure of 2003-2004 (3018)".  He went on "The average number of student learners attending Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha's language programmes on a year-on-year basis over the four year period 2001-2005 now stands at 1366.  Well over 1,000 learners have been recorded by An tIonad each year since 2001".  He also referred to Bord na Gaeilge's significant promotion of the Irish language through the award by the Higher Education Authority under its special targeted initiatives scheme of €260,000 in order to further strengthen the Irish language in the university.  The award will assist the work of An tIonad, the publication of essential Irish language textbooks, the Irish language services of Áras na Mac Léinn, the Léann Dúchais Leictreonach (LDL) project and the setting up of a new academic modul entitled "Music and the Irish language".

Professor Aine Hyland, Vice-President, UCC who is launching the project said the provision of the bilingual website demonstrates UCC's commitment to the Irish language.  "This bilingual website is a further demonstration of UCC's commitment to the advancement of the language.  She explained "The top three levels of the UCC website are now both in Irish and English and this is only the beginning.  Ultimately, it is the aim that all departments and offices across the university will have their sites in Irish and English" said Professor Hyland.

Developing the Irish manifestation of the UCC website has been a major project involving staff from across the university.  The project will be officially launched by the Vice-President of the University, Professor Áine Hyland, in An Seomra Caidrimh, The O'Rahilly Building at 1.00pm, Friday, 18 November.