Dual language road sign bid branded ‘ridiculous’ as street name already in Irish

An application for a dual language road sign has been branded ‘ridiculous’ - as the street name is already in Irish.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council councillor John McClaughry slated the plan. The Ulster Unionist councillor has been an outspoken critic of the policy, branding it unfair and undemocratic as an application requires only 15 per cent of residents to support dual signage.

The Council is currently working through a long list of applications which require officials to survey every resident where possible for their views, then assess if the threshold is met.

The process then begins to prepare and erect dual language signs in areas which are approved.

The figures are brought before the Environmental Services Committee each month showing the number of applications processed and which have been approved or not.

This month saw 14 applications assessed of which two did not meet threshold.

Preparations are underway to erect dual language signage on the remaining 12, which is estimated to cost £26,000.

While registering the “normal disdain and objections”, Councillor McClaughry also noted an issue around an application for dual language signage at Ardtearmann, in Carrickmore.

He said: “I’m not a Gaeilgeoir but even I can tell that’s in Irish, so I’m wondering who actually proposed it. I understand it translates as high safe place or sanctuary.

“Why did we waste officers time getting a sign translated into Irish that was already Irish? It seems quite ridiculous. It’s time we totally reviewed this policy.”

Sinn Féin Councillor Ruaidhri Lyttle, replied: “You could be right about reviewing the policy because a lot of my constituents are voicing frustration that the process is too slow and the roll-out is inefficient and ineffective.

“We should look to increase the number of applications processed from the current 14 or 15 up to 30 or 40.”

Party colleague, Councillor Declan McArdle noted a company in his constituency has secured a high value contract to: “Replace signage down South in Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal areas.”

He enquired if the company would be in a position to, “Get a stab at it (in the district), things had to be speeded up a bit and increase to 30 or 40 signs. I know in the Erne West area there are a lot of applications in for dual language and there’s a lot of interest in when they will be installed”.

Director of Director of Environment and Place, John News, advised all procurements are publicly advertised and any company which is able to provide services is entitled to tender.

“We are currently in contact with a provider, but we always welcome a competitive tendering process,” he concluded