This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-25654557

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Irish language centre opens in east Belfast Irish language centre opens in east Belfast
(about 14 hours later)
A new Irish language centre is to open later in east Belfast to cope with an increasing number of learners. A new Irish language centre has opened in east Belfast to cope with an increasing number of learners.
The Turas centre, based in the Skainos building on the Newtownards Road, houses a classroom, offices and a library/social area.The Turas centre, based in the Skainos building on the Newtownards Road, houses a classroom, offices and a library/social area.
The centre will be opened by local man Sam Evans who was a founder member of the Progressive Unionist Party. The centre was opened by local man Sam Evans who was a founder member of the Progressive Unionist Party.
Development officer Linda Ervine said a growing interest in the language had led to the need to expand.Development officer Linda Ervine said a growing interest in the language had led to the need to expand.
Ms Ervine said a "taster" Irish class held three years ago had revealed a surprising level of interest in the language.Ms Ervine said a "taster" Irish class held three years ago had revealed a surprising level of interest in the language.
ExpandExpand
"We started a regular class two years ago which was meant to last for 15 weeks," she said."We started a regular class two years ago which was meant to last for 15 weeks," she said.
"At present, there are eight weekly classes held in the Skainos centre."At present, there are eight weekly classes held in the Skainos centre.
"We had to expand to cope with the increasing numbers. Now, around 90% of our learners are Protestants."We had to expand to cope with the increasing numbers. Now, around 90% of our learners are Protestants.
"People contact me on a weekly, even daily basis. All we have done is to open the door.""People contact me on a weekly, even daily basis. All we have done is to open the door."
As part of the growing interest in the Irish language in east Belfast, a further two classes, one for children and one for parents, are to be held at Dundonald High School.As part of the growing interest in the Irish language in east Belfast, a further two classes, one for children and one for parents, are to be held at Dundonald High School.