Questions over Irish street sign policy

A Dungannon councillor has queried a change of wording in a report presented to councillors on dual language street signs – despite repeated rejections of calls to review the policy.
Cllr Clement CuthbertsonCllr Clement Cuthbertson
Cllr Clement Cuthbertson

Speaking at a meeting of Mid Ulster District Council’s environment committee, Councillor Clement Cuthbertson asked why it appeared the criteria for adoption of the sign had changed.

A report presented to members of the Committee each month details the criteria for a dual language street sign to be erected.

In November’s report, the explanation for the erection of the a street sign said: “In accordance with the Dual Language Signage Nameplates Policy, where more than 51 per cent of the completed replies returned by occupiers indicate that they are in favour…”

However, following comments raised about a dual language street being erected at Cadian Road, Dungannon where 51 per cent of survey respondents were in favour, during November’s committee meeting, the wording in December’s report has been altered.

The report presented to members this month states: “In accordance with the Dual Language Signage Nameplates Policy, where 51% (rounded to the nearest whole number) of occupiers that responded, indicated that they were in favour…”

Noting the difference, Councillor Clement Cuthbertson asked when the review of the policy took place and queried why he had not been invited, or made aware of the discussion.

“As you know this past couple of months there have been a couple of proposals in relation to a review of this policy,” said Cllr Cuthbertson.

“Reading this month’s report I see there seems to have been a review carried out on this even though the requests to do so were voted down.

“The wording seems to have changed. In previous months the policy said ‘where more than 51 per cent’ now it has been changed to ’51 per cent rounded to the nearest whole number’.

“Can I ask, when did this review take place and why everyone wasn’t invited to it?”

In response, Council’s head of building control, Willie Wilkinson said no review had taken place but the new wording more accurately reflects the policy in place.

“The wording had been highlighted previously, so what I have quoted in the report is now the wording of the policy,” said Mr Wilkinson.

“I had not followed word for word previously, but if you read the policy and refer back through the reports you will see the wording arrangement is now closely corresponding to what was in the policy all along.

“It is not the fact I have changed the policy, just my wording, to reflect what was in the policy.”

Cllr Cuthbertson said this would lead him to believe that Council has been judging previous applications incorrectly.

“This reinforces the view that we need to be looking at this again and I am going to propose again tonight that we review this policy.”

His proposal was seconded by Councillor Trevor Wilson.

Sinn Fein Councillor John McNamee proposed the policy should be kept as is and said the constant calls for review are resulting in dual language signs already erected being damaged.

“I propose we keep the policy as is,” said Councillor McNamee.

“Councillor Cuthbertson is wasting time and what it has resulted in, in the Cookstown area, is signs being damaged.

“They are clearly being damaged because of the gossip that has been brought up around them.”

This proposal was seconded by his party colleague, Councillor Brian McGuigan.

It was noted that the policy is due to be reviewed in March 2021. However, Cllr Cuthbertson said he would keep his proposal on the table as that is still more than three months away.

A vote on Cllr McNamee’s proposal then took place. The seven DUP and UUP members present voted against the proposal while the eight SDLP and Sinn Fein members present voted in favour of keeping the policy as is.

As a result, Council’s policy on dual language street signs will remain unchanged.

Council a ‘cold house for unionists’ claim - read here

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