Naoise Dolan: We need to create an Ireland where everyone can become fluent in Irish

"On a grassroots level, it could not be clearer: Irish people want to learn Irish. An island-wide Údarás na Gaeltachta study found last year that 74pc wish to improve their level."

"The desire is particularly strong in Northern Ireland, where the school lessons southerners never stop complaining about are an opportunity many missed out on. Queen's University Belfast just reported a 227pc surge in demand for Irish classes."

Seventy-four percent of people across the island wish to improve their Irish, according to an Údarás na Gaeltachta study conducted last year. Interest in learning Irish is especially high in Northern Ireland. Many people in Northern Ireland missed the school Irish lessons that are common in the south. Demand for Irish classes has risen sharply at institutions in the north. Queen's University Belfast reported a 227% increase in demand for Irish classes. The surge indicates growing grassroots enthusiasm for language learning and renewed interest in Irish-language education across the island.

Read at Independent