The two-hour classes are held each Wednesday, between 7-9pm.

Limavady Insp. Tony Callaghan said the classes are being held for police officers across the region and are hosted at the Limavady station because a conference room, which is used as a classroom, is available. He also said the initiative was happening in other areas.

Mr. Callaghan did not have a figure as to how many officers were taking the class.

Limavady Sinn Fein Colr. Cathal OhOisin said he felt it was important police officers were able to speak Irish because there were several Irish language schools in the area, referring to the importance of delivering the "Stranger Danger" message to schoolchildren.

"It's good to see it," he said. "I hope many police officers take it up."

Chief Insp. Clive Spence, Acting Area Commander for Limavady, said posters in Limavady police station accommodate more than 50 languages, including Irish.

Chief Supt. David Hanna said the PSNI Deputy Chief Constable was looking for police officers to learn the Irish language to translate a community safety program - CASE.