New dual language street signs approved in Newtownabbey

The application was agreed following a canvass of residents and the threshold of two thirds or more in favour of the erection of a second language street sign was met in line with the council’s dual language street sign policy.

The recommendation to approve installation was proposed by Dunsilly Sinn Fein Cllr Henry Cushinan, seconded by Airport Alliance Cllr Andrew McAuley.

A translation will be carried out by an independent body. The second language sign will be placed below the English in lettering the same size. Signs are installed at a cost of £500 each.

The first dual language street signs to include Irish were approved by Antrim and Newtownabbey Council in January 2024. These were erected at Bawnmore Grove, Bawnmore Place and Newton Gardens, in Newtownabbey.

The following month, a second set was approved at Glenville Mews, Bawnmore Terrace and Mount Street, in Newtownabbey with a third round of applications for Bawnmore Park and Finlay Park approved in March 2024.

The first dual language to be proposed outside Newtownabbey at St Joseph’s Court, Crumlin, was not approved, however, as the threshold of two-thirds or more in favour of the erection of a second language street sign was not met as required by council policy.

In August of last year, councillors were told a challenge by Sinn Fein to a decision by the council over its dual language street sign policy had failed.

The council received a call-in following a vote in May to retain its existing dual language street sign policy. This is a process through which a percentage of councillors can request reconsideration of a council decision.

At the meeting, Dunsilly Alliance Cllr Jay Burbank proposed a change in policy procedure, which he said afterwards, would be “fairer and more aligned with European international standards”. An amendment proposed by Glengormley Ulster Unionist Alderman Mark Cisgrove to retain the existing policy was carried.

The council’s dual language street sign policy, first approved in May 2022, was subject to review after three years. Twenty-four applications have been received during that period of which 14 were successful for a dual language street sign.