Belfast Council's Initiative to Introduce Irish Street Signs in Diverse Areas

Belfast Councillors have agreed to allow surveys on three “long streets” in North Belfast where City Hall officials deemed there might be “adverse effects”.

Survey Initiated

At a City Hall committee meeting, councillors without a vote agreed to survey occupiers of Oldpark Road, Donegall Park Avenue, and Skegoneill Avenue, where applications have been received by the council for dual language street signs in Irish. Surveys will be conducted, and council officials will then carry out additional analysis of the results of the survey to gauge any difference of opinion in different parts of the street. This means there is the potential for some parts of a street to receive Irish signage but not others.

Policy and Recommendations

The council’s dual language street sign policy states that each application will be subject to an initial assessment for any potential adverse impacts on equality, good relations, and rural needs. The decision as to the erection of dual language nameplates in certain portions of the street will be made by the committee, exercising its residual discretion and taking into account advice from officers.

Community Impact

A report by officers presented before the People and Communities Committee states potential adverse impacts and community tensions that could arise due to the survey in areas seeking Irish street signs. It highlights the importance of considering cultural and linguistic diversity and the council's discretion in the decision-making process.

Members' Decision

Members are asked to confirm if surveys are to be carried out for the identified streets. The proposal includes additional analysis of the survey results for consideration, with an aim to influence the location of future street signage.