A RECENT meeting of the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Environmental Services Committee saw tensions surface around the installation of dual language signage on four roads.

While not against the initiative, some councillors stressed the need to replace existing broken or damaged signage in the district ahead of anything else, but others called for the dual language process to be speeded up.

Legislation requires a street/road name to be expressed in English; however, councils can exercise discretionary powers for a second language – in this instance, Irish – providing 67 per cent if the residents agree.

The Interim Director of Environment and Place told members: “I’m really pleased to advise all four locations met the two-thirds threshold.”

The areas in question are Aghaboy Road, which will also be known as Bóthar Achadh Buí; Maryville, as Baile Mhuir; Mill Cottages, as Iostáin an Mhuilinn; and Sheskinshule View, as Radharc Sheisceann Siúil.

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Pádraigín Kelly was content to propose this, with the exception of the Irish translation of Maryville, adding: “I’m dealing with an officer around sorting different interpretations, [but] I request this element is deferred.

“I understand this has been a frustrating process, and delay will be even more frustrating, but after the wait, I want to ensure it’s the correct translation.”

This was seconded by Councillor Stephen Donnelly, Alliance: “On the condition this is brought back for further review.”

Ulster Unionist Councillor Victor Warrington said: “We’re spending a lot of money putting up road signs all over the place.

“Are we going to replace existing road signs which have been damaged? Existing road signage which should be in place is probably more important.”

Party colleague Councillor Bert Wilson told members up to 50 per cent of signage in his areas are: “Smashed or broken ... the road name is gone.

“It’s a disgrace. That’s the first thing that should be sorted before spending money on anything else.”

However, Sinn Fein’s Councillor Glen Campbell deemed this “not sensible at all”, continuing: “I certainly don’t agree on any delay.

“I welcome progress on dual signage, but in parallel, we should look at damaged signs.”

Councillor Bernice Swift, Independent, commented: “There should be no more delay. Any remarks about cost need to be quelled. That’s just a lame excuse which I do not accept.”

‘Pathetic excuses’

Sinn Fein’s Councillor Chris McCaffrey remarked: “It’s disappointing when we hear people come up with frankly pathetic excuses. There should be no delay and, in fact, we should urge the acceleration of dual language signs.”

Rounding off, Councillor Errol Thompson, Democratic Unionist, told members “A lot of signage has disappeared. This should not be a divisive issue, as some are making it out to be.

“Road sign replacements has been an ongoing matter for quite a while.

“I take exception to some of the comments made. This is an important issue as well.”