Belfast Grand Central Station Irish signs row rumbles on as ministers fail to agree position

Talks between two Stormont ministers at the centre of a row over Irish language signs at Belfast’s Grand Central Station have failed to resolve their differences, the High Court heard today.

A judge confirmed the legal challenge mounted by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson will now advance to a full hearing early next year.

Irish language rights group Conradh na Gaeilge and TUV MLA Timothy Gaston were also both granted rights to participate in the case.

Mr Bryson is seeking to judicially review Sinn Fein Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins for approving the installation of Irish signs at Grand Central.

He claims the decision to allocate £150,000 for the train station project was so controversial and cut across other Stormont Departments that the issue should have been brought to the Executive Committee for discussion and agreement.

By failing to take that step Ms Kimmins breached the Ministerial Code, the high-profile activist contends.

DUP Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has already obtained permission to intervene in the proceedings based on his opinion that the decision was cross-cutting.

In September the challenge was put on hold after Mr Justice McAlinden urged the Executive to attempt to resolve the dispute and avoid being seen as a “laughing stock”.

He called on Ministers to enter discussions instead of spending vital public money being on opposing sides in a legal battle.

It was also suggested that the new appointments of Northern Ireland’s first Irish language and Ulster-Scots commissioners could be consulted in a bid to defuse the argument.

At a review hearing today counsel representing Ms Kimmins, Tony McGleenan KC, confirmed talks have taken place.

“The two ministers in the Department for Infrastructure and the Department for Communities have met to discuss these issues, but there has been no resolution in respect of their separate positions,” he said.

The court was told there is no indication that the dispute will be brought back to the Executive Committee.

Mr McGleenan added Ms Kimmins is willing to seek advice from Irish language commissioner Pol Deeds, although he played down the chances of any engagement finding a solution.

“This case will require a hearing,” he stated.

During brief exchanges Mr Bryson consented to Mr Gaston intervening in proceedings but raised an objection to Conradh na Gaeilge’s bid for the same status.

However, Mr Justice McAlinden ruled that both applications for permission to make written submissions are to be granted.

Listing the case for a two-day hearing in January, the judge said: “I’m quite happy to get everyone’s views about this matter… I’m trying to ensure everybody has a say.”

Outside court Mr Bryson claimed Mr Gaston will be able to bring “valuable material” to the legal challenge.

He also insisted the Irish language commissioner has no statutory power over Translink or to make recommendations unless jointly approved by the First and Deputy First Minister.

“Thus (it) ensures a unionist veto. The commissioner has no role in this case,” Mr Bryson contended.

Dr Pádraig Ó Tiarnaigh from Conradh na Gaeilge said the campaign group will be able to make contributions supporting dual-language signage at shared spaces and travel hubs in line with best practice across the UK and Ireland.

He added: “We also welcome that the Infrastructure Minister will be seeking guidance from the newly appointed Irish language Commissioner, and fully expect that guidance to overwhelmingly endorse the decision to erect English and Irish language signage in Grand Central Station.”