Dual language policy on street signs differs by council area

Councils’ policies on dual language street signs:

Antrim and Newtownabbey

Council first agreed a new policy in 2018 but it was only approved in May last year.

Occupiers of homes and commercial premises have their opinions taken into account but the final decision is made by the full council.

Applications supported by a petition representing not less than one third of the people will be progressed to the next stage. The petition will be brought to the council to seek approval to move to the next stage of the process.

If approval to progress is granted, all people appearing on the electoral register of that street will be canvassed.

Where two thirds or more of all those canvassed have indicated that they are in favour of dual street sign, the matter will be brought before the council for decision. Those not responding will be regarded as being unsupportive.

Lisburn and Castlereagh

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council adopted a ‘Street Naming and Postal Numbering Policy’ in 2015. The process begins after at least one third of residents sign a petition.

All persons aged 18 and over, based on the electoral register, and owners. tenants of commercial premises, are informed of the petition and invited to comment.

If the result of the survey show at least two thirds of the occupiers are in agreement with the proposals, then this will be put forward for the consideration of the relevant council committee for approval.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council

Following a name change request, residents are consulted. If a simple majority of responding residents have indicated that they are in favour of the erection of a dual-language street nameplate, then the proposal will be presented to the Council for consideration.

The council may agree to permit or not permit the erection of the nameplate.

North Down and Ards

A street naming and number policy that includes the provision for dual language signs received approval at last week’s Environment Committee meeting.

Under the policy, an application needs the support of a petition containing not less than one third of those aged 18 and over and on the electoral register.

Following a survey, if two thirds of all occupiers support the proposal, then the council will consider the request. It will be up to the Environment Committee to approve the request.

Derry City and Strabane

Applications for dual language street name plates can be made by an occupier of the street who is on electoral register.

An occupier may apply to council in writing specifying which language.

Council will write to each occupier of premises inviting comment by completion of a prepaid pro-forma letter, within 28 days.

Although each application will be considered on its merits, considerable weight will be attached by Council to views expressed by two -thirds of those occupiers in a street who respond either for or against the proposal.

Mid Ulster

A petition is deemed valid when completed by a minimum of one householder on that street. Approval will be sought from the Environment Committee to undertake the survey.

The council then canvasses all occupiers listed on the Electoral Register. This includes a survey form.

Where 51 per cent (rounded to nearest whole number) of the occupiers that respond indicate that they are in favour of the erection of a dual language street nameplate, then this shall be presented to the Environment Committee for a decision.

Fermanagh and Omagh

An application may be made by a single applicant, either on the electoral register or the owner of a commercial premises. An elected council from the area can also apply.

Where 15 per cent or more occupiers of that street are in favour, then a sign may be erected. This is subject to council discretion.

Causeway Coast and Glens

Application to be accompanied by petition of not less than one third of occupiers. At least two thirds of all those then consulted and surveyed have to respond in favour.

Any further applications for naming in a second language will not be considered until the expiry of a 5 year period from the date of refusal

Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon

Applications supported by a signed petition representing not less than one third of all occupiers of premises are considered.

A report is presented to the council committee following which occupiers are canvassed. Those occupiers of premises on that street who are canvassed but who do not reply will be deemed not in favour.

In “long streets”, consideration is given to dual language nameplates in parts. If at least two thirds of the occupiers are in favour a recommendation is placed before the council committee for a decision.

Mid and East Antrim

Council has not yet adopted a policy on dual signage.