The first bilingual road traffic signs in Northern Ireland have been installed along west Belfast’s Falls Road.
The Irish-English signage and road markings, covering bus lanes and parking information, have been placed on a stretch of the Falls Road between the Springfield Road and Whiterock Road, with implementation continuing over the coming weeks.
The pilot scheme was announced by the Department for Infrastructure on Tuesday.
It’s unclear if the bilingual road signs will now be installed in other areas or what the criteria for installation are.
Irish Language Commissioner Pól Deeds welcomed the scheme and said he hoped the scheme would be extended.
“I am delighted to see this important scheme being rolled out in the Gaeltacht Quarter,” he said.
“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.”
New bilingual Irish-English road signage is erected on the Falls Road in west Belfast.
PICTURE: BRIAN LINCOLN
Campaigners have now called for the scheme to be extended beyond the pilot area to the wider Gaeltacht Quarter.
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.
“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.”
A spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure commented: “This is a pilot initiative specifically for the West Belfast Gaeltacht Quarter.”