Unionists oppose dual language signage saying 15% resident approval threshold ‘unfair’

A further five roads out of eight submitted for dual language signage have met the criteria for them to be erected Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has heard.

Unionist groupings remain opposed to the scheme on the basis the 15 per cent resident approval threshold is unfair.

Director of Community and Wellbeing John Boyle brought the latest figures before the Environmental Services Committee meeting. Roads in Omagh, Enniskillen and Siemilecross meet the criteria, the meeting heard.

While the majority of members agreed the recommendation to action the signage, there was dissent from both unionist grouping.

UUP member John McClaughry said: “Yet again, I’m very disappointed that Tattykeel Cottages and Kerr Villas were both put forward for this with absolutely no interest from the residents.”

This was agreed by DUP councillor Paul Robinson.

• Mr McClaughry continued he had been approached by a constituent enquiring: “If a resident’s house is to have the street name on it in the Irish language, can they object to it?”

He was told that the council would engage with a resident on whose property the sign is to be installed on to seek permission.

Sinn Fein’s councillor Tommy Maguire said; “We welcome that there are negotiations. The purpose of bilingual signs is not to cause any annoyance.”