Signs of 'Londonderry' in draft document

The document has been put out for public consultation by the Department of Regional Development (DRD) which proposes bringing forward the bi-lingual signage as part of its obligations under the European Charter for the protection of minority languages.

Its authors, however, acknowledge the ongoing difficulties in presenting 'Londonderry' on road signs in certain areas due to the tendency of vandals to erase 'London' and conversely 'Derry' in acts of vandalism.

The draft policy states: "In terms of existing traffic signing, which may be construed by some as politically sensitive, Roads Service is aware of some on-going difficulties with the presentation of 'Londonderry' on some of its traffic signs.

"The word London is often painted over to leave derry, which in some cases is then subsequently painted over in a tit-for-tat act of vandalism."

Equally, the document acknowledges nationalists as more enthusiastic promoters of bi-lingual signage - namely that of an English/Irish variety.

"The Department has concluded that there may be a positive impact on those from Nationalist background and a negative impact on those from a Unionist background.

"Where requests for bi-lingual traffic signing have come from political representatives, these have generally been from those representing a Nationalist party.

"The on-going difficulties with the presentation of Londonderry on traffic signs would seem to confirm the differing perspectives of those of different political outlooks," the document states.

The guidance literature says the policy has been carefully developed in order to try and minimise negative impacts by confining the use of bi-lingual traffic signing to discrete areas where there is a confirmed level of overall support for the signing.

"However, the Department has also to be mindful of issues such as the on going difficulties with the presentation of Londonderry on traffic signs (paragraph 4.14) which may indicate that a minority of the community, from both sides of the political divide may have difficulties with the draft policy proposal," it reads.

DRD says the policy will help the Department meet its commitments under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages which came into force on 1 July 2001.

Signs will have to be requested by a promoter through their local District Council. The promoter may be the local Council in the case of town or village welcome signs, a local tourist operator in the case of tourist signs, or the manager of the facility in the case of supplementary plates, which could, for example, be a school principal.

There will be no additional cost to the Department. The proposals envisage that any costs will be borne by the promoter for the signs.

Copies of the consultation document are available on the DRD website. Hard copies can be obtained by contacting the Department's Roads Service on 028 9054 0633, e-mail responses may be sent to [email protected] and comments may also be faxed to 028 9054 0111.