Lisburn to get its first bi-lingual street sign despite concerns from DUP

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s environment committee approved an Irish and English dual sign for the Killultagh DEA in Glenavy.

A report showed ‘Glen River Mews’ gained the two thirds majority of neighbours required by council policy to agree to the change.

The consultation showed out of a total of 15 residents, 14 were in favour (93%) and one no response.

However, a second area at ‘Riverside Court’ Glenavy with 48 residents failed to meet the threshold with 26 in favour (54%) and two against, with 19 no responses.

Alderman James Tinsley said: “I have been contacted by a number of residents of Riverside, where there are only 17 houses and the fear is people will start pointing fingers on how they voted in the council petition.

“The feedback I am getting is that some residents are fearful and concerned that how they may have responded is now out in the open and they feel like they have to keep their heads down.

“There was a door to door, let’s say, light encouragement of people to vote a certain way.

"I am told that there are some residents who feel like they now have a target on them.

"These are real life concerns and I would be doing a disservice if I did not bring this up to be noted.”

Sinn Féin councillor Gary McCleave said: “I welcome agreement in committee to move forward and install bi-lingual signage in our council area for the very first time.

“This is a historic decision and a huge step forward for Gaeilgeoirí living in Lisburn and Castlereagh.

"Despite a clear majority wanting a bi-lingual signs at Riverside, it was only the council’s threshold policy of two thirds of residents, that prevented their wishes for the sign change.

“Sinn Féin will continue working to build a society with rights and equality at its core.”

The change to the Glenavy bi-lingual sign is due to be ratified at the next full council.