Loyalist paramilitaries have been blamed for the cancellation of Irish language classes in Castlerock.
The Coleraine Chronicle reported that intimidation meant the classes, due to take place in Castlerock on Monday, were scrapped.
Billed as “a beginners Irish conversation class”, the six-month course was due to kick-off with an enrolment session at 7pm in the council-owned Peter Thompson Hall
It’s understood both the organisers and Causeway Coast and Glens Council were made aware of threats which, it’s believed, came from loyalist paramilitaries.
A number of councillors from the area were contacted but none were able to provide any information nor comment about the alleged incident.
Causeway Coast & Glens council could not provide clarity at the time of writing.
The PSNI said: “Enquiries are ongoing at present to ascertain the circumstances; however, police do not discuss the security of individuals and no inference should be drawn from this.
“Please be reassured that police will take appropriate action as required when made aware of anything that may put any individual at risk.”
SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter said: “We will not accept threats of violence and intimidation by those who seek to drag us into the past. Attacks of this nature on the Irish language are appalling and have no place in our society.
Cara Hunter MLA
“I call on the Executive and the PSNI to take every action possible to hold those responsible to account, and to work to ensure that everyone in our society, regardless of religion or where they reside, have the opportunity to learn Irish or whatever language they choose free from the threat of violence or intimidation.”
SDLP Irish language spokesperson Patsy McGlone MLA said: “It’s incredibly disheartening to hear that Irish language classes have been cancelled following threats from paramilitary thugs who hold their own community back and have nothing to offer.
“That these classes were taking place shows the growth and renewed interest in the Irish language in every part of our island and is a clear indication that this language belongs to everybody and poses no threat whatsoever.
“The actions of the knuckle draggers behind these threats will not hinder the renewal of the Irish language and they are but a small minority when it comes to standing in opposition to it.
“I would urge everyone to be more mindful of the discourse they engage in around Irish, we have seen repeatedly over the years how thoughtless words and actions from those in public life have demonised Irish speakers and led to regrettable incidents like the cancellation of these classes.”