DUP minister could intervene in legal action over Irish language signage at Grand Central Station

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has applied to give evidence in a case taken by loyalist activist Jamie Bryson over a decision to install dual language signage at Belfast’s Grand Central Station.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced in March that signage featuring both English and Irish was to be installed at the state-of-the-art transport hub at a cost of £150,000. Despite warnings from Irish language advocacy groups, the signage was not installed when the station was originally built, with Ms Kimmins introducing the move retrospectively after taking legal advice.

Following criticism from unionist politicians, loyalist activist Jamie Bryson applied for a judicial review into the Department for Infrastructure (DfI)’s decision and was granted leave to do so last month. Mr Bryson’s case centres on a claim that the introduction of the signage was controversial and so required agreement from the entire Executive.

It is understood that Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has now asked the High Court for permission to intervene in the case and provide evidence he says proves the Executive should have been consulted over the move.

Mr Lyons’ application claims he first became aware of the decision via a press release from DfI and subsequently advised Ms Kimmins in writing that the decision was “significant, controversial and cross-cutting”.

It is understood the Sinn Féin minister denied the claim and rejected any suggestion the matter should have been referred to the Executive Committee.

The application also indicates Mr Lyons intends to assist the court with the context of an Assembly petition against the move which received just one signature, that of TUV representative Timothy Gaston, who raised it in the first place. Mr Gaston’s petition and the lack of signatures was cited by DfI’s legal representatives in a previous hearing to suggest the decision was not controversial.

The Communities Minister has also indicated that he considers the decision to cut across his departmental responsibilities in relation to its duties under the January 2020 New Decade New Approach (NDNA) deal. DfC is responsible for the development of a draft Irish Language Strategy and is also a joint sponsor of the North-South language body which comprises Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency.

Mr Lyons’ application indicates he intends to demonstrate to the court how Ms Kimmins’ decision cuts across those responsibilities. Both the Department for Communities and Department for Infrastructure have been approached for comment.

Last month, Mr Justice Scoffield ruled that Mr Bryson had established an arguable case in relation to his application for a judicial review into Ms Kimmins’ decision. Representing himself, the loyalist activist had argued that the MLA unlawfully breached the ministerial code by failing to refer the issue to the Executive Committee for discussion and agreement.

Mr Bryson argued that the test was met based on publicly expressed views by a number of senior unionist politicians. The court heard correspondence from UUP, TUV, PUP and Orange Order representatives to back Mr Bryson’s claims of unionist unity on the issue.

No planned work to install Irish language signage at the station can begin until after the case is resolved. It is listed for a full hearing in September 2025.