Bi-lingual traffic signs to be introduced in parts of west Belfast as part of pilot scheme

Some traffic signs in west Belfast will be in both English and Irish as part of a new pilot scheme.

The Department for Infrastructure confirmed the bi-lingual signs and road markings will be installed on the Falls Road between the Springfield Road and Whiterock Road.

Northern Ireland councils already have a policy for bilingual street signs which was agreed in 2022 and allows residents to apply for an Irish language street sign where they live.

However, this would be the first time road markings and traffic signs would be in multiple languages in Belfast.

The department said the pilot will only include traffic signs which are the department’s responsibility.

They added that a scoping survey identified 93 upright traffic signs and 35 worded road markings.

As part of the pilot, the majority of signs and markings impacted relate to bus lanes, with the remainder being a mix of mainly parking and direction signs.

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said: “The Gaeltacht Quarter is an ideal location for this pilot.

"Traffic signs and road markings in this area will soon be in both Irish and English which will complement the use of these languages by other businesses and organisations in the Gaeltacht Quarter.

"I believe this is a positive development which demonstrates my support for Irish as a living language used daily by this thriving community.”

Forbairt Feirste project manager Piarais Mac Alastair added: “We are delighted that after many years of campaigning, the Gaeltacht Quarter will have dual language Irish and English road signage - the first of its kind in the north.

"This will be a catalyst for a wider rollout of dual language road signage across the north where demand for Dual Language provision is ever increasing.

"Visibility of the Irish language in the public realm is vital in promoting, understanding & building awareness of our shared language.

"This is a positive first step in ensuring that the Irish language is visible in all our public transport network and we look forward to working with the minister and his department in the coming months and years to further develop this dual language provision.”