This Christmas will see Galway strengthening its Gaeltacht credentials by hanging Irish language Christmas lights in the streets.

According to a spokeswoman from Gaillimh le Gaeilge, which is organising the lights in cooperation with the Galway City Business Association, the aim of the special lights is to enhance Galway's standing as a bilingual city. The lights will hang in Eyre Square, Shop St, High St and Dominick St, and will feature Irish phrases such as 'Nollaig Shona', 'Beannachtaí na Nollag', 'Beannachtaí na F?ile' and 'Oíche Chiúin, Oíche Mhic D?'.

"We were delighted when the Galway City Business Association announced that they wanted to incorporate the Irish Language into their new Christmas Lights," said Bríd Ní Chonghóile, Ardfheidhmeannach Ghaillimh le Gaeilge. "This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase bilingual Galway and a welcome investment by the Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs into the city because of the use of the Irish language."

A grant of €57,750 from the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs is allowing the initiative to go ahead. The funding comes from the Department's Ciste na Gaeilge Business Sub-Fund, which was established in 2006 and aims to provide groups or organisations with funding to promote the Irish language in the business sector in cities and counties throughout the country.

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