Council condemns vandalism of dual language road signs

Members of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council have united in condemnation of vandalism on dual language road signs which is being classed as a hate crime.

A report brought before the Environmental Services Committee showed since the beginning of April this year, 12 road signs have been damaged across the district at an estimated cost of £4,400.

Comparative statistics for the three previous financial years showed a total of 103 signs were damaged at an overall repair cost of £18,410, which does not include the latest figures.

In both the 2023/24 and 2024/25 years there were 31 attacks on signage each, with repairs costing £9,630 for the first year and £5250 for the second.

In the 2025/26 year 41 signs were damaged at a repair cost of £3530.

All damage perceived as caused through vandalism including hate crime are reported to the PSNI.

Attacks are in different forms including graffiti, burning and cutting sections of language out.

To date, 13 roads have been subjected to repeated vandalism of the specified time frame.

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Tommy Maguire said while te damage is a fairly small percentage of all signs in place: “It’s regrettable there are that show such intolerance to the culture recognition we are trying to expand in the district. Hopefully t will reduce in numbers as time goes forward.”

Party colleague Ruaídhrí  Lyttle however noted the cost of repairs is: “Truly shocking. Over £18,000 to repair 103 signs and I’m sure everyone in this chamber would roundly condemn these hate crimes”

Picking up on the repeated incidents in which these crimes have occurred on the same road, Councillor Lyttle proposed writing to the PSNI asking: “What are they currently doing to address this.”

This was seconded by Councillor Stephen Donnelly, Alliance who stressed: “It’s important we underline this is fundamentally a crime and an assault on public property.

"While the numbers are relatively low, we must be clear that one vandalised sign is one too many. It’s nothing short of a disgraceful attack on a language which objectively is in the ownership of every person on this island.

"The decrease this year is welcome, but we have to be very clear as a council that this is something we are choosing to pursue. We want greater visibility of the Irish language and to recognise the value input and contribution in our community. Vandalism and damage and crimes of this nature have absolutely no business or presence in our community.”

Ulster Unionist Councillor John McClaughry and Democratic Unionist Councillor Paul Robinson joined with members in condemning all acts of vandalism and welcomed the call to contact PSNI.

The proposal was supported unanimously.