Fermanagh and Omagh District Council will hold the first Dáil na Gaeilge in the Omagh council chamber at the Grange next Monday. The event starts at 7pm to mark Seachtain Na nGaelige.

Council chair Barry McElduff organised the gathering for Irish speakers from Omagh and nearby villages. The chamber has served as the local government headquarters for more than 50 years.

McElduff stated the event will recognise the presence of the Irish language in the council area. Participants will discuss its local status as part of a consultation on the council's Irish Language Strategy. He invited all to attend and share views.

McElduff noted growth in Irish language use in Tyrone in recent years. He pointed to an increase in speakers and a local Irish-medium primary school. Classes occur at post-primary level, and the language appears in community settings.

The event will review this development and the council's role in supporting it. Contributions in Irish are encouraged during the meeting.

McElduff convened the Dáil na Gaeilge as council chair and Irish speaker. A similar event takes place in Enniskillen.