Further Irish language street signage approved for Newtownabbey

More Irish language street signs are to be erected in Newtownabbey after the signage was given the go-ahead for the first time in the area last month.

Dual language signs with English and Irish were approved for Glenville Mews, Bawnmore Terrace and Mount Street, in line with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s policy, after at least two-thirds of residents said they were in favour.

Applications for Bawnmore Park and Finlay Park are at the second stage of the consideration process, with canvass letters issued to residents.

An application has also been received for a dual-language sign at Mill Road

Under the council’s policy, an application for a sign must be supported in an initial petition by one-third of a street’s residents, and be backed by the local authority before moving to the canvassing stage, where at least two-thirds of residents are required to agree to a new sign before it is brought before the chamber for approval.

The cost of each new sign is around £500.

Approval for the latest signs was proposed by Sinn Féin’s Maighréad Ní Chonghaile and seconded by the Alliance Party’s Andrew McAuley.

Last month saw the council agree Irish signage for the first time in Newtownabbey, with applications approved for Bawnmore Grove, Bawnmore Place and Newton Gardens.