In a meaningful effort to bring the Irish language to the forefront of everyday life, Íarnród Éireann (IÉ) has committed to implementing a number of measures in the interest of fostering its use on their services.
A recent survey published by IÉ in conjunction with Conradh na Gaeilge, the foremost group in promoting the Irish language, has indicated favourable views from the public on speaking and hearing Irish on our railways. Respondents showed a generally favourable outlook and enthusiasm: some 50 per cent of those surveyed indicated their willingness to speak in Irish with staff, provided that the staff were able to respond. A larger group still, some 65%, reported feeling “very positive” about hearing Irish spoken on train journeys.
The initiative is at once wide reaching and pragmatic: Conradh na Gaeilge will offer Irish classes in the interest of building competence and confidence as gaeilge to IÉ staff – staff who will now be permitted and encouraged to wear a Fáinne, a pin indicating to others the wearer’s proficiency in the language.
Erin Burns, the Oifigeach Gaeilge (Irish Language Officer) for IÉ, spoke: “The survey results clearly show that passengers want to use their Irish; they just need the opportunity and confidence to do so.”
Building on this enthusiasm, the Fáinne ar Bórd campaign represents one of the most forward-thinking and practical efforts to promote the use of Irish in everyday life: in contrast to more symbolic and abstract gestures, this campaign will create real exchanges between Irish speakers, and creates the conditions for Irish to be used naturally and comfortably. In empowering staff to signal their willingness and ability to speak the language, Iarnród Éireann is helping to remove one of the greatest barriers to everyday Irish use – uncertainty. Even brief exchanges – a greeting, a ticket query, a word of thanks – have the potential to make Irish feel more visible, approachable, and alive in public spaces.
That said, while the initiative deserves real praise for its ambition, its long-term success relies on how deeply it takes root among both staff and passengers. The company can provide training and encouragement, but genuine use of the language relies on confidence, time, and above all, habit. There is a risk that, outside of Gaeltacht areas or special events, Irish interactions may remain a rare exception rather than the norm.
