Sinn Féin Councillor Anne Marie Logue has welcomed today’s u-turn on the ‘English only’ policy for the naming of street signs in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
The ban on Irish language signs in the area has been rescinded, the High Court in Belfast has heard.
The ruling had been challenged by a resident who claimed it was discriminatory.
Clare Duffy issued judicial review proceedings after the inplementation of the policy of no bi-lingual signs inside the borough. Ms Duffy said this was discriminatory on the grounds of religion, politics and identity. She was also awarded legal costs as part of the agreement.
Speaking after the Council announced the u-turn in Belfast’s High Court, Anne Marie Logue said she wanted to commend the Irish language community.
“There is a strong and vibrant Irish language community in South Antrim, the language is alive and it should be allowed to thrive and street signage is an integral part of publicly expressing the language.
“Irish language speakers have a right to recognise of their language and culture and to have these rights protected under the law.
“Today’s victory in the High Court highlights the lack of respect shown towards Irish identity and further focuses the need for the Acht na Gaeilge to guarantee legal protections for the language,” she said.