This article is from page 64 of the 2005-08-23 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 64 JPG
THERE’S a lot more written Irish in evidence these days, fol- lowing the Language Act. Many bodies are issuing Irish versions of their annual reports, and job advertisements and public notices are more frequently appearing in both English and Irish. But there’s not much Irish being used on shop fronts and the exteriors of restau- rants, pubs and other business premises, outside the Gaeltacht. .
This could change quite soon, however, if enough Clare busi- nesses take part in new pilot schemes offering financial as- sistance for bilingual signage. These are offered on a first come first served basis, and while the
schemes are open until a deadline of 14 October this year, the early bird has a better chance of catch- ing the worm. Foras na Gaeilge is offering this financial assistance to small and medium sized com- panies through two new schemes.
Under the outdoor signage scheme, it will provide match- ing funding to a maximum of €3,000, and under the materials scheme the maximum matching funding is €1,000.
Readers can apply for the schemes through Blathnaid Ni Ghréachain, An Rannog Gnd/ Business Sector, Foras na Gaeilge, telephone 01-6398438, email eno @forasnagaeilge.ie.
According to Foras na Gaeilge, an all-Ireland body set up in 1999, these bilingual/Irish language
schemes will give businesses a marketing advantage over com- petitors.
It says that the Irish language as a communication tool is becom- ing more important for businesses keen to attract new customers and to add value to their products.
“Using Irish is_ increasingly recognised as a potential Unique Selling Point for businesses,” said Blathnaid Ni Ghréachain.
“Using bilingual/Irish language signage, as well as print and mul- timedia materials, is a simple and cost-effective way of creating a positive image,’ she added.
“Both schemes will offer busi- nesses a competitive marketing edge and improve their customer services.”