Irlanda del Nord: niente cartelli in gaelico o Ulster-Scots
No to Irish and Ulster Scots road signs
The Regional Development Minister has decided that traffic signs in Irish and Ulster Scots will not be introduced across the Northern Ireland roads network.
Danny Kennedy’s predecessor in the role launched a consultation last year on a proposal to erect bi-lingual signage in English and one of the two other languages.
These would have included a limited range of tourist signs, supplementary plates to certain warning signs – ‘school ahead’ for example – and town and village welcome signs.
Mr Kennedy said he has decided not to press ahead with the new signs, as they would lead to extra costs with “no operational need” in “challenging” economic times.
“Following the conclusion of the consultation I have decided not to introduce bi-lingual traffic signs,” the UUP minister said.
“This policy proposal, would have resulted in extra costs and serves no operational need for Northern Ireland’s road network.
“Given the challenging economic times that we are living in, it is imperative that my Department’s limited resources are prioritised and focused on issues that will directly improve the safe and efficient use of the road network.”
Mr Kennedy outlined some of his key targets in the coming months
He continued: “As Roads Minister, my aim is to deliver on the agreed priorities set out in the Northern Ireland Executive’s Programme for Government where key targets have been set on investment in the strategic road network, road maintenance, public transport and water and sewerage services.”
The signage consultation closed on 11 March with 101 responses received by the DRD.