Public asked for views on council Irish language plan

Public asked for views on council Irish language plan

7 November 2012

RATEPAYERS are to be asked for their views on Down Council’s plans to promote the Irish language.

Draft proposals drawn up after discussions with the leaders of the local authority’s major parties were made public on Monday night. Republican and nationalist councillors are in favour of the new policy, but unionists have concerns.

The aim of the policy is to “facilitate and encourage” the promotion of both Irish and English, build on the local authority’s commitment to celebrate diversity and fulfil its obligations under the European Charter for Minority Languages.

With Down Council due to merge with its neighbour in Newry and Mourne in 2015 as part of the review of public administration, sweeping changes to ensure all council

signs are in English and Irish are unlikely.

In the short term, it is being suggested the council’s name in Irish would appear on a strapline below the existing local authority logo on council vehicles and buildings and that future council stationery would include both Irish and English.

Sinn Fein councillor Éamonn Mac Con Midhe said given Down Council’s merger with Newry and Mourne in 2015, it is likely there will be a new logo for the merged council. He also argued large amounts of money will not be spent at any one time on implementing the new policy.

“These draft proposals present us with the basis to move forward and it is time to do that. We are doing everything we can to make this new policy as reasonable as possible.

“I and many others believe the Irish language is something to be promoted and cherished. The language has been in existence before any of us,” he declared. “

DUP councillor William Dick expressed concern about the cost of implementing the new policy in the current economic climate and at a time when Down Council is rigorously examining its spending.

“My party will not agree to anything which is going to increase the financial burden on the ratepayer. I have no objection to those who have a desire to promote the Irish language, but ratepayers should not have to pay for this. I don’t see this bilingual policy benefiting anyone,” he added.

Councillor Walter Lyons (UUP) said there are people in the district who will be opposed to the policy and who don’t want dual language signs.

“There are those who are very passionate about the Irish language, but I and many people in the Protestant/Unionist community have no interest in this policy. Our views on the issue are also being totally ignored,” he added.

Council policy officer, Mr. Liam McLernon, confirmed equality screening of the draft proposals has indicated “the potential impact” they may have on people with different religious and political backgrounds regarding equality of opportunity and good relations.

He said as a result, a full equality impact assessment is required.

He also confirmed that when amendments councillors have asked for in the draft proposals have been included, the bilingual policy will be subject to a three-month consultation process and requires full council approval before its implementation.