Madam, - As a native Irish speaker from An Daingean who has been long immersed in the culture and heritage of the Irish language, I welcome its new EU status. It seems that many people denigrate our native language. There are approximately 30,000 native Irish speakers and included in this figure are a large number of young people. It is estimated that an additional 100,000 people use the Irish language in their daily lives.
The proliferation of gaelscoileanna, the achievements of TG4 and Raidió na Gaeltachta, the increased interest in Irish summer schools and the initiation of courses in third-level institutions are favourable indicators for the survival of the Irish language.
The use of the name An Daingean has brought much media attention. It might be worthwhile for your readers to note that Dingle has no specific meaning whilst An Daingean means "fort". Other countries are proud of their language so why should we not acknowledge our native treasure? - Yours, etc,
SEÁN Ó CATHASAIGH, Moyglare Village, Maynooth, Co Kildare.