Irish language course canceled in Castlerock following reports of loyalist threats

LOYALIST threats have led to the cancellation of an Irish language course registration event due to take place in Castlerock.

Billed as “an Irish conversation course for beginners”, the six-month course was due to begin on Monday evening with a registration session at the council-owned Peter Thompson Hall.

However, it was reported that organizers and Causeway Coast and Glens Council were informed of threats allegedly made by loyalist paramilitaries.

A PSNI spokeswoman said “investigations are currently underway to determine the circumstances”.

The spokeswoman added that “police do not discuss the safety of individuals and no conclusions should be drawn from this.”

The development follows strong criticism of DUP Education Minister Paul Givan following his meeting with members of the Loyalist Communities Council.

The council owned the Peter Thompson Hall area in Castlerock Co-Derry, where registrations for Irish classes on Monday evening were canceled after reports of loyalist threats. Photo Margaret McLaughlin 2-10-24 — The council owned the Peter Thompson Hall area in Castlerock. Photo Margaret McLaughlin (PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN)

After the meeting the group, which represents the UVF, UDA and Red Hand Commando, said they had voiced their objections to the idea of an Irish language school in east Belfast.

The umbrella group claimed to have told Mr Givan that the school had “no significant support from the local unionist and loyalist population, and that no consultation had taken place with local residents” .

Scoil na Seolta was granted planning permission earlier this year for the temporary building on Montgomery Road after 11 Belfast city councilors voted in favor and five against.

The school has since been the subject of a campaign against her.

Dr Pádraig Ó Tiarnaigh, of the Irish language network An Dream Dearg, expressed concern at the latest developments.

“In a democratic society, people have the fundamental right to live their daily lives free from intimidation and discrimination,” he said.

“This is a sectarian hate crime.

“A very sinister and worrying trend is emerging here as this is the latest in a series of threats from loyalist paramilitaries. »

Mr Ó Tiarnaigh said political unionism “must strongly and unambiguously condemn these actions and ensure that all citizens feel safe and welcome to actively participate in community activities”.

SDLP East Derry MP Cara Hunter said Mr Givan still had questions to answer about whether it was appropriate to meet people linked to paramilitary groups.

“Attacks of this nature on the Irish language are appalling and have no place in our society,” she said.

“The minister should ask himself whether this meeting has not emboldened the paramilitaries behind these latest shameful threats. »

Ms Hunter called on the Stormont Executive and the PSNI “to take all possible steps to hold those responsible to account”.

The Ministry of Education was contacted for a response.