Removing flags with no assent endangers workers: Kennedy

Roads Minister Danny Kennedy doesn't condone this but neither does he support taking flags down without community approval.

The Minister said the Department of Regional Development (DRD) will support other agencies in removing unwanted emblems.

But he said taking flags down was a “highly sensitive” issue and taking them down where agreement had not been reached would only make a bad situation worse and put workers at risk.

Mr Kennedy said: “I do not condone or support the unauthorised use of my Department’s lamp posts, street furniture or other property, for any purpose. The two recurring issues facing my officials relate to flags and unauthorised advertising.

“The removal of flags or emblems is a highly sensitive issue, due to the political, societal and potential public order issues associated with flag flying in Northern Ireland. To deal with flags, Roads Service has signed up to the Joint Protocol on the Display of Flags in Public Areas.”

The protocol recognises community support is necessary before action can be taken.

Mr Kennedy stressed it won’t be Roads Service which strips street furniture of flags.

“My Department is generally not perceived to be the lead agency under the current Protocol. In most cases, other parties such as the PSNI, OFMDFM, NIHE, or DSD are better placed to assume the lead role in arranging for the removal of flags and emblems through their contacts with community groups, local elected representatives and other relevant contacts,” he said.

He added: “Experience has shown that removing flags in the absence of widespread support simply worsens the situation, with even more flags being displayed.

“My Department must also take account of the risks to workers in removing flags where agreement has not been reached.”