Belfast City Centre Streets to Get Irish Language Signs Amid Controversy

Strategic Insights -

Belfast City Council is set to approve dual language signs for several city centre streets, including Castle Street and Chapel Lane, despite significant opposition from local businesses and residents. The decision comes as the council is set to debate an application for seven new Irish language street signs at a meeting tonight, with many expected to pass due to the support of nationalist parties. The move has been met with criticism from unionists, who argue that the current rules for building dual language signage are too lenient and allow for manipulation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Castle Street, which runs alongside the grade B1 listed Bank Buildings, is set to get Irish language signs despite only 20.96% of occupiers being in favour of the move.
  • Chapel Lane, which runs from Castle Street to the Castle Court shopping centre, will also get Irish language signs despite only two people wanting them.
  • The 15% threshold for dual language signs is set to be triggered for Elimgrove Street, despite only 15.47% of residents saying they want the signs.
  • Almost 1,000 requests for dual language signs covering more than 650 streets are still on the council's waiting lists.
  • The current rules for dual language signage have seen more Irish language signs approved in the first two years of the system than in the previous 24 years under a more strict policy.
  • Unionists have criticized the current rules for being too low, allowing for manipulation and kickstarting the process with a single anonymous request.

Statistics:

  • 20.96% of occupiers on Castle Street are in favour of building signs in both English and Irish.
  • 25% of those surveyed on Chapel Lane are in favour of dual language signage, equating to a total of two responses.
  • 15.47% of residents on Elimgrove Street are in favour of dual language street signs.
  • Almost 1,000 requests for dual language signs, covering more than 650 streets, are still on the council's waiting lists.
  • The number of dual language signs approved in the last two years has increased significantly, with all signs featuring the Irish language.

Sources:

  • Belfast City Council
  • Iain Gray