Bilingual traffic signs and road markings have been installed in
the Gaeltacht Quarter. The bilingual signage is on the Falls Road
between the Springfield Road and Whiterock Road showing bus lanes
and parking information.
Welcoming the development, Infrastructure Minister said: Many businesses and
organisations throughout West Belfast already use bilingual
signage within and outside their premises. The
implementation of bilingual signage on this part of the road
network over the next few weeks is a further positive development
for the Gaeltacht Quarter and demonstrates my commitment to
comply with the European Charter of Minority and Regional
Languages. The Irish language reflects a shared identity and
culture across this island. I thank Forbairt Feirste and
Conradh na Gaeilge for campaigning for bilingual signage on roads
to promote visibility and understanding of the Irish
language."
Speaking on behalf of Forbairt Feirste, Project Manager Piarais
Mac Alastair said: "The introduction of bilingual road traffic
signs is an important and positive development for the Gaeltacht
Quarter and for the wider Irish-speaking community. Language is a
visible expression of identity, and these signs recognise the
everyday reality of thousands of people who live, work, study and
visit this part of Belfast.
"This pilot demonstrates what can be achieved when government
works collaboratively with communities. We commend the Department
for Infrastructure and Minister Kimmins for progressing this
initiative and recognising the importance of the Irish language
within our shared public spaces.
We now call on the Minister and the Department to extend this
Road Traffic pilot to the wider Gaeltacht Quarter that has
recently been recognised by Belfast City Council.
Cuisle Nic Liam, Language Rights Coordinator with Conradh na
Gaeilge, commented: Conradh na Gaeilge warmly welcomes the
introduction of dual language road traffic signage in the heart
of West Belfast's Gaeltacht Quarter. This initiative is the first
of its kind anywhere in the north and, given the history of
community language revival in the area, it is fitting that West
Belfast, one of only five uniquely recognised Irish language
planning areas across Ireland, has been selected to pilot this
historic scheme. This is a critical development in the ongoing
realisation of the West Belfast Irish Language Plan, Fís an
Phobail.
This project has been developed through a collaborative co-design
process with both local and national stakeholders and we have
been delighted to work with the Minister, her Department and
Forbairt Feirste over recent years. The design of this new dual
language road traffic signage emerges from evidence-based
international templates and unquestionably establishes a new
model of best practice both north and south.
Dual language signage plays an essential role in increasing the
visibility and normalisation of the Irish language within our
shared public space. We look forward to continuing to work with
the Minister and all relevant partners to see this successful
pilot replicated in other communities in the very near future.
Irish Language Commissioner, Pól Deeds said: I am delighted to
see this important scheme being rolled out in the Gaeltacht
Quarter. This initiative recognises and supports the vibrant
Irish-speaking community in west Belfast, and I hope it will be
extended in the future in line with the Best Practice Standards
currently being developed by my Office.
The duty placed on our public authorities through legislation,
alongside existing government commitments to support the growth
of the Irish language, has a vital role to play in language
planning and protection.
The Department for Infrastructure's commitment to this initiative
strengthens my determination to support public authorities in
their efforts to make Northern Ireland a place where the Irish
language can thrive as an important part of our unique cultural
heritage and wealth.
