SINN Féin Councillor Mickey Cooper has welcomed the support of Councillors in Derry City & Strabane Council to change the criteria for erecting bilingual street signage.
Said Cllr Cooper: “I welcome the outcome of the vote which will reduce the threshold for erecting bilingual street signage from 66% of people in a street to just 15%. The request will require only one councillor or resident to begin the consultation.
“This will make it easier for people who wish to have their street sign in both English and Irish.
“The vote reflects the huge rise in streets across the city and district who have opted to have their name displayed bilingually over recent years.
“Derry City & Strabane District Council have one of the most progressive language policies across the North, this lowering of the threshold will ensure that the policy continues to evolve to meet the ever growing demand for bilingual signage.
“This is also a reflection of the vibrant and growing Irish language community that exists across the Derry and Strabane area.
“Belfast has recently seen its Bilingual Street Signage Policy change to meet International and European Language Agreements and Charters commitments and guidance.
“This motion voted for by the Council will see our city and surrounding areas meet that guidance too.
“I would encourage people to start the conversation within their streets and communities and make an application for a bilingual sign.”
