Controversy in Belfast as Irish Street Signs Overcome Resistance

A last ditch attempt has failed to stop a Belfast Council decision to erect Irish dual language signs on four streets, sparking heated debates over community representation and democracy.

Council Decision
At the April meeting of the full Belfast City Council, a DUP amendment to block a committee decision to halt signs going up at Wynchurch Avenue in East Belfast, Sunningdale Park North, and Ben Madigan Park South in North Belfast, and Wellington Park Terrace in South Belfast faced a final vote. Despite residents opposing the Irish signs outnumbering supporters on each street, the amendment did not have sufficient numbers for approval.

Policy Progression
Since the introduction of the new dual language street signage policy in 2022, deferred applications meeting the threshold but facing opposition have been placed at the end of the queue for reconsideration. Sinn Féin Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly advocated for moving forward with the Irish street signs, citing minority rights guidance.

Chamber Votes
A poll in the council chamber saw 11 votes in favor and 9 against the proposal to erect the Irish signs. The subsequent vote by the full council saw 26 votes in favor of a DUP amendment to stop the signs losing out to 31 votes supporting their erection from Sinn Féin, SDLP, Green Party, and People Before Profit.

Concluding Statements
DUP Councillor Ruth Brooks criticized the process for lacking democratic integrity, while Sinn Féin Councillor Tomás Ó Néill questioned the fear and opposition to the Irish language, emphasizing bigger societal issues at play.