QUB Irish language group rejects claims that campaign for dual language signs on campus is ‘cultural passion project’

An Irish language group at Queen’s University Belfast has rejected claims that its campaign for dual language sings on campus is a “cultural passion project”.

It follows a statement by young unionists at the University who oppose the campaign and said funding should be directed towards other initiatives such as free period products instead.

The campaign is being led by the university’s Irish language society, An Cumann Gaelach.

On Wednesday a demonstration organised by the group saw over one hundred students gather outside the gates of the university.

The students were calling for more visibility of the Irish language on campus, including signs in English and Irish.

An Cumann Gaelach said that a petition has also received over 1000 signatures.

In a statement posted to social media, the committee of the QUB Ulster Young Unionists, said it had met with the university’s administration ahead of the demonstration.

The student led unionist group said there were more pressing issues “than cultural passion projects”.

“The cost of such signage is not something which we would want to see the university try to cover, especially when the university is already facing cutbacks in some areas,” the statement read.

"If there is money to be spent, it should go to services which support students, such as expanding the accessibility of free period products across all schools.

"There are more pressing issues than cultural passion projects, such as the recent rollout of free period products across campuses.”

The group urged the University to “consider a balanced approach to language support" adding that they are campaigning for support for the Ulster-Scots language on campus.

“Historically, the (Irish) language has been used by some as a political weapon, creating understandable unease among unionists,” they added.

"Queen’s should strive to be a neutral and shared space, and we would urge the university to make this their priority. Forcing the issue could only play further into the idea that it is a cold house.”

Responding the comments made by the young unionists group, An Cumann Gaelach it rejected claims their campaign was a “cultural passion project”.

A spokesperson for the group added: “Furthermore, the comments made refer for the necessity for QUB to be a neutral and shared space, An Cumann Gaelach believes that QUB cannot be a neutral nor shared space as long as it remains a monolingual one and as long as Irish speakers continue to be marginalised.

"Such views that are against bilingual signage further indicate the importance regarding the visibility for Irish, a minority language, to normalise it and soften such views. The Irish Language is for everyone.

"People from all backgrounds are integral to both the Irish Language and An Cumann Gaelach.”

The spokesperson added: “Queen’s University Belfast has a responsibility and obligation to promote an inclusive and diverse campus, one that is welcoming for Belfast’s thriving and ever-growing Irish language community.”

A spokesperson for the University said: "Queen’s management team are keen to listen and engage on the issues that matter most to our student body and staff.

“Ahead of yesterday’s planned protest, the University’s leadership met with Young Unionists over their concerns, and also responded to the meeting request received on Tuesday 8 April from Cumann Gaelach, agreeing to meet with this group to discuss this important issue next week.

“We are keen to continue to work in partnership with all groups to explore the issues at hand.”