The changing nature of the economy is bringing fresh challenges for the Irish language in the Donegal Gaeltacht. Although still a predominantly rural area, fewer people than before are employed on the land or sea where traditionally the Irish language was strong.
An increasing number are now employed by foreign firms - many of them small - that are embracing new technology.
Indeed, in this age of fibre optics and circuit boards, a whole range of new words are coming into the Irish language.
"What we are seeing evolve now is a post-agricultural and post-fishing economy," explains Donnchadh Ó Baoill, oifigeach cultúir agus teanga, Údarás na Gaeltachta.
Last year, an Údarás sample survey of 236 businesses in the Donegal Gaeltacht highlighted the numbers of people who use Irish in the workplace. The survey has now been analysed and recommendations will be released shortly outlining the way forward to promote the language even more.
"There are challenges for the language and this survey and the new initiatives arising from it will help to initiate new language and cultural policies. We will be developing interactive programmes with companies," he said.
Most companies in the Gaeltacht already use bilingual signage and have implemented either a bilingual or Irish-only telephone- answering policy. Using Irish in the workplace is essential to keeping the language alive in the community.
The survey revealed 69 per cent of the workforce in the Donegal Gaeltacht were native speakers.
The number of senior managerial positions filled by fluent or native Irish speakers is over 60 per cent, compared with 20 per cent in 1991. Likewise, for middle management there has also been a sharp rise, from 33 per cent to 64 per cent over the same period.
A significant number of foreign firms have set up in the Donegal Gaeltacht and several have been to the fore in initiating a language policy. "Many of these firms come from bilingual societies in the first place. They have no problem in promoting the use of the Irish language. For them to be in an economy that is monolingual is unusual," he said.
Mr O Baoill points out the promotion of management development courses by Údarás na Gaeltachta, and internal promotions were major factors in the increase.
Firms are also increasingly aware the Irish language can be a positive marketing tool. Gweedore based Sieon Ireland Limited, a subsidiary of a Belgian firm, has branded its durable sea jacket range under the "Mara" (sea) name. Used to dealing in both French and Flemish, the company has actively adopted the Irish language in the workplace.
And Carbhat Teoranta, an Irish firm based in Falcarragh, has been successful with its range of síoda (silk) ties.