News

Irish centre in east Belfast

AN IRISH-LANGUAGE centre has opened in east Belfast to deal with the demand from people in the area wanting to learn cúpla focal.

The Turas centre is on the predominantly Protestant

Newtownards Road and Irish language development officer linda Ervine said 90 per cent of the students came from that religious tradition. Three years ago people were invited to attend a six-week taster class and since then interest in the language has mushroomed to the point where eight language classes are held each week at the East Belfast Mission's Skainos building which is home to the Turas centre.

Two new outreach classes - one for children and one for parents - are also planned for Dundonald High School.

The centre was opened last night by PUP founding member Sam Evans.