Menu
12/01/2011
Irish Road Signs Point To Stormont Division
NI politicians are taking divergent routes on a proposal to splash-out on the provision of bilingual road signs.
A consultation on a range of bilingual traffic signs in either Irish or Ulster-Scots has been launched by Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, who said: "The policy is intended to facilitate the introduction of a number of certain bi-lingual traffic signs in Irish or Ulster-Scots for the specific purpose of promoting minority languages."
He said that NI has obligations under the European Charter for the protection of minority languages and the proposed policy will permit the inclusion of either Irish or Ulster-Scots, a move that has already sparked a row with the signs pointing not to inclusion, but instead to division.
Sinn Fein Pottinger representative, Niall Ó Donnghaile expressed his 'shock' at the stance taken by the Alliance party on the consultation document on bilingual signage.
Speaking after Alliance Councillor Judith Cochrane referred to the plan as 'ghettoising' NI, Mr Ó Donnghaile said: "I have to say I am somewhat shocked at the views expressed by the Alliance party.
"This is the Regional Development Minister implementing his obligations under the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages, something which other Ministers, including the Alliance Party's own, could learn from.
"I find it difficult to believe that the Alliance state that this plan would 'ghettoise' the North; are they saying for example, that the Gaeltacht Quarter in west Belfast is a ghetto because is chooses to operate through the medium of Irish?" he fumed.
However, the Alliance Regional Development Spokesperson, MLA Anna Lo has now also said: "This plan will mean clear tribal demarcations as there can never be a sign featuring three languages together. This is akin to people putting flags up in certain areas to mark out territory. This will be like an institutionalised mark of tribalism."
Joining the debate, Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Tom Elliott has said that people will be aghast at the news that Conor Murphy has launched a consultation on the provision of such signs.
Tom said: "Following the 'shambolic' response of NI Water to burst water pipes which affected over 60,000 homes in NI and made us in the eyes of the world look as a third world country coming immediately after the failure of his Department to ensure the gritting footpaths or minor roads and also serious issues over budgets, I cannot believe that the provision of bilingual signs in Irish or Ulster Scots should be seen as a priority.
"The cost of the consultation and provision of signs is outrageous, the money would be much better spent on repair of roads which are in an appalling state," he said, on Tuesday.
Strangford MLA and Deputy Chair of the Assembly's Regional Development Committee Michelle McIlveen has also criticised the decision.
"Given the range of problems on Connor Murphy's desk he should be focusing on more important matters rather than a pointless political exercise about bilingual signage.
"This is a Sinn Fein hobby horse and not a sensible proposal given the budgetary constraints faced by departments," said the DUP MLA.
"It is clear therefore that the Minister simply wants to hold a 'fantasy consultation', possibly to distract attention away from the other problems steadily piling up within his Department.
There are costs associated with such a consultation and given that he is fully aware the plans will not succeed it seems that the Minister is quite prepared to waste public money on a pointless political exercise."
See: Murphy Signs 'Are Tribalism'
(BMcC/GK)
A consultation on a range of bilingual traffic signs in either Irish or Ulster-Scots has been launched by Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, who said: "The policy is intended to facilitate the introduction of a number of certain bi-lingual traffic signs in Irish or Ulster-Scots for the specific purpose of promoting minority languages."
He said that NI has obligations under the European Charter for the protection of minority languages and the proposed policy will permit the inclusion of either Irish or Ulster-Scots, a move that has already sparked a row with the signs pointing not to inclusion, but instead to division.
Sinn Fein Pottinger representative, Niall Ó Donnghaile expressed his 'shock' at the stance taken by the Alliance party on the consultation document on bilingual signage.
Speaking after Alliance Councillor Judith Cochrane referred to the plan as 'ghettoising' NI, Mr Ó Donnghaile said: "I have to say I am somewhat shocked at the views expressed by the Alliance party.
"This is the Regional Development Minister implementing his obligations under the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages, something which other Ministers, including the Alliance Party's own, could learn from.
"I find it difficult to believe that the Alliance state that this plan would 'ghettoise' the North; are they saying for example, that the Gaeltacht Quarter in west Belfast is a ghetto because is chooses to operate through the medium of Irish?" he fumed.
However, the Alliance Regional Development Spokesperson, MLA Anna Lo has now also said: "This plan will mean clear tribal demarcations as there can never be a sign featuring three languages together. This is akin to people putting flags up in certain areas to mark out territory. This will be like an institutionalised mark of tribalism."
Joining the debate, Ulster Unionist Party Leader, Tom Elliott has said that people will be aghast at the news that Conor Murphy has launched a consultation on the provision of such signs.
Tom said: "Following the 'shambolic' response of NI Water to burst water pipes which affected over 60,000 homes in NI and made us in the eyes of the world look as a third world country coming immediately after the failure of his Department to ensure the gritting footpaths or minor roads and also serious issues over budgets, I cannot believe that the provision of bilingual signs in Irish or Ulster Scots should be seen as a priority.
"The cost of the consultation and provision of signs is outrageous, the money would be much better spent on repair of roads which are in an appalling state," he said, on Tuesday.
Strangford MLA and Deputy Chair of the Assembly's Regional Development Committee Michelle McIlveen has also criticised the decision.
"Given the range of problems on Connor Murphy's desk he should be focusing on more important matters rather than a pointless political exercise about bilingual signage.
"This is a Sinn Fein hobby horse and not a sensible proposal given the budgetary constraints faced by departments," said the DUP MLA.
"It is clear therefore that the Minister simply wants to hold a 'fantasy consultation', possibly to distract attention away from the other problems steadily piling up within his Department.
There are costs associated with such a consultation and given that he is fully aware the plans will not succeed it seems that the Minister is quite prepared to waste public money on a pointless political exercise."
See: Murphy Signs 'Are Tribalism'
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
Eligibility For Free School Meals And Uniform Grants To Be Reviewed
Education Minister Paul Givan has announced a review of the eligibility criteria for free school meals and uniform grants, seeking input from the public with a new consultation. The consultation will examine the number of children and young people who could benefit from free school meals and uniform grants.
21 November 2024
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
Public Consultation On Decriminalising Rough Sleeping And Begging
The public is invited to share their opinions on proposals to decriminalise rough sleeping and begging in Northern Ireland. Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a consultation on the repeal of Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act 1824 and Section 3 of the Vagrancy (Ireland) Act 1847.
19 November 2024
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
BCC Launches Public Consultation On £100m Belfast Stories Project
Belfast City Council has today launched a public consultation on the ambitious £100 million Belfast Stories project. The initiative aims to transform the former Bank of Ireland building and surrounding site into a major public space, visitor attraction, and creative hub.
18 November 2024
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
DAERA Minister Outlines Path To Net Zero For Northern Ireland
DAERA Minister, Andrew Muir, has outlined a roadmap for Northern Ireland to transition to a net-zero economy. Speaking at the 2024 Re[Act] Festival in Belfast, he emphasised the urgent need for ambitious climate action.
25 November 2024
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
SDLP Seeks Views On Proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill
The SDLP has announced the launch of a public consultation of their proposed Regional Jobs, Skills and Investment Bill, describing it as an opportunity to rebalance the economy across the North. The consultation opened online today and will close on Sunday 16th February.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
