Meath to hold full council meeting in Irish
Meath may soon hold a full council meeting conducted primarily through the Irish language, a move described as both “historic and symbolic.”
At the February meeting of Meath County Council, Social Democrats councillor Ronan Moore called for the council to conduct a full meeting in Irish while providing necessary support such as translation and interpretation to ensure all members and officials can participate fully.
Cllr Moore said the move will reflect Meath’s distinct status as the only county in Leinster home to two Gaeltacht communities, Rath Chairn and Baile Ghib.
“Meath holds a unique and proud place as home to not one but two Gaeltacht communities. Our language is a central part of our identity and heritage,” he said.
“Like many people across the county, my own Irish is not where I would like it to be. But promoting and valuing our national language matters. Holding a Council meeting as Gaeilge would be deeply symbolic and would send a clear message to our native speakers that their language is valued and respected at the highest level of local democracy.”
Cllr Moore, who chairs the Community & Cultural Development and Gaeltacht Affairs SPC, said the committee’s recent meeting focused on strengthening the promotion of the Irish language across the county.
Acknowledging that fluency varies among councillors and residents, Cllr Moore said the initiative is about inclusion and respect rather than exclusion.
At the meeting, there was strong support for the initiative among members present.
Aontú councillor Emer Tóibín said: “We would be out of our comfort zone, but it would be interesting.”
Independent councillor David Gilroy also supported the motion, saying the “aspiration is very good,” but added: “I know it comes from a place of great support of the language; however, you don’t have to speak Irish to be for Irish.”
Fine Gael councillor Alan Tobin noted that there are three official languages in Ireland — English, Irish, and Irish Sign Language — and said they should be made available in all council meetings.
Fine Gael councillor Sarah Reilly said: “I think it’s something [speaking Irish] that a lot of us lack confidence in, so we just have to get over the hurdle.”
The motion passed. Speaking afterwards, Cllr Moore described the decision as “potentially setting an important precedent.”
“There will, of course, be practical matters to resolve, but these are not insurmountable. With goodwill, preparation, and the right supports, this can be done in a way that is inclusive, respectful, and meaningful,” he added.
Preparatory work is already underway, including identifying facilities with translation capabilities, and Údarás na Gaeltachta has offered support to help make the meeting possible, Cllr Moore said.
“If delivered successfully, it could provide a template for future meetings and become an annual celebration of our language, our culture, and our shared identity. It is a small but significant step in showing that the Irish language has a living, meaningful place in our public life.”