Town Hall could be lit red to back campaign for Irish language rights and legislation

Town Hall could be lit red to back campaign for Irish language rights and legislationA notice of motion advocates the lighting of the Town Hall on the eve of a major rally to be attended by thousands of activists and supporters in Belfast in May.

Newry Town Hall could be lit in red to raise awareness and highlight the ongoing campaign for Irish language rights and legislation.

It will, that is, if a notice of motion going to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council later today (Monday) wins majority support.

It will advocate the lighting of the Town Hall on the eve of a major rally to be attended by activists and supporters in Belfast.

The motion has been brought by Sinn Fein Councillor Oonagh Hanlon, who is asking the council to indicate that it “supports the campaign for Irish language rights and the implementation of Irish language legislation”.

Her motion reads: “It is long overdue that our Irish language citizens and communities are recognised in law, as promised in many of our peace agreements.

“On Saturday, May 21, thousands will travel to Belfast City Hall to support the Dream Dearg campaign, including many from our own council area.

“We call on the council to support their campaign and also extend a huge ádh mór oraibh to the thousands who will travel to Belfast to represent local Irish language communities and schools at An Lá Dearg 2022.

“As an act of solidarity and support from the council, we will, on Friday, May 20, illuminate Newry Town
Hall in red, symbolising the campaign for language rights.”

The motion is due to be debated at the May monthly meeting of full council on Monday.