Dia duit, or should that be Dia dhuit? The former is correct when writing and the latter when speaking. Another one of the many little quirks that adds to the richness of the Irish language
(Saibhreas na Teanga).

Hello, is mise Liam and I am deligh ted to be the new Irish language officer with the Office of Public Works. I joined
the civil service relatively late in life but was very fortunate to land at the ‘Board’. I started as an Executive Officer with National Historic Properties before joining the Conservation Architects as
a Higher Executive Officer. I then saw the advert for Irish language officer, applied, was successful and now I work with the Policy Unit. Each role has suited me greatly because I have a keen
interest in history and culture.

I am also a late-comer to the Irish language. When young, there were no Gaelscoileanna in my locality. There was no Irish at home but my parents were always sympathetic towards the language. I was twice packed off to the Gaeltacht and did not particularly
enjoy the experience, or so I thought. I achieved a Grade C in ordinary Irish at Leaving Cert. I then became an apprentice and drifted from the language but something always kept me interested. I was in my mid-30s when the flame rekindled. I started attending conversation groups, listening to the radio and reading voraciously. I developed a network of like-minded
friends and through that improved my fluency.

My main role is the promotion of An Ghaeilge within the organisation and advising on compliance with the Official
Languages Act 2003 and 2021. There have been recent developments in this area that mean that we in the OPW
have increased legal responsibilities when it comes to Irish and its role in our work. My role is to guide and assist staff to ensure that the Office meets its obligations.

In addition to the legal compliance aspect of my work, it’s also important for me to promote the recreational activities available in Irish. This page Irish Language Tour at Dublin Castle.

Some initiatives that are proving successful are:
– ‘Lón le Gaeilge’– going from strength to strength.
A monthly on-line get-together in a relaxed
environment where people can practice their
cúpla focal in a supportive environment.

– Irish language tours – In addition to OPW sites
in Gaeltacht areas, Irish language tours are now
available at many heritage sites including Rock of
Cashel, Dublin Castle, Casino Marino, Kilmainham
Gaol, Pearse Museum, Royal Hospital Kilmainham,
Custom House Visitor Centre, Kilkenny Castle,
Emo Court and others.

– Staff Irish language courses – The numbers of
staff availing of Onelearning Irish courses is
increasing each year. These are of great benefit to
team members and are completely free of charge.

– OPW representation – We introduced a
popular Seastán Gaeilge (Irish stand) at this
year’s Ploughing Championships, we were
represented at An tOireachtas in Killarney (the
annual language and culture event) and we are
now advising on plans for the development of a
Gaeltacht Quarter in Dublin’s south city centre.
OPW is actively working with many of the Irish
language promotion bodies to help raise the
profile of the Irish language.

The Official Languages Act was introduced in 2003 and it gave
legal status to the Irish language. The primary objective of the
Act was to ensure improved provision of public services through
the Irish language. The Act was strengthened when amended in
2021. As a government agency, the OPW must comply with all
requirements of the Act. Oifig an Choimisinéara Teanga (OCT) is
the Language Commissioner’s Office, an independent statutory
office operating as an ombudsman service and as a compliance
agency. I am the contact person between the OPW and OCT
and I am pleased to say that we have established a good working
relationship with the team at the Commissioner’s office.

If a breach of the Act is reported, OCT will open a case and
contact us. I will liaise with them to remedy the breach and
rectify the problem. In order to do this I require the cooperation
of the OPW staff. I am absolutely delighted with the
co-operation and buy-in that I have witnessed so far. Thank
you all! The main areas of complaint relate to non-compliant
signage, lack of Irish language information leaflets/publications
and Irish language communications answered in English. These
are all easily rectified and once a breach is identified we all
learn from it. The OPW is making great progress in meeting our
requirements under the Act.

In summary, tá a lán déanta ach tá níos mó le deanamh ( a lot is
done but there is more to do). If I can be of assistance to anyone
please do not hesitate to make contact. The easiest way is via
gaeilge@opw.ie Tá mé ag súil go mór le cloisint uait. Ádh mór!