Belfast's Grand Central Station to Embrace Bilingual Signage in Irish Amid Controversy

Grand Central Station in Belfast is set to install Irish language signage later this year, as announced by infrastructure minister Liz Kimmins in the Northern Ireland Assembly. This initiative aims to enhance the visibility and promotion of the Irish language within the station, which has faced criticism since its opening in September from Irish language advocates who felt their needs were overlooked.

The new bilingual displays will include crucial information for passengers and will be featured on ticket vending machines, safety notices, and way-finding signs. Kimmins emphasized the importance of ensuring the station reflects all citizens and noted that discussions had been ongoing with community groups regarding the use of Irish.

Translink, the public transportation agency, defended its previous signage choices, arguing that it already included aspects of Irish in its multi-lingual welcome signs. Following this announcement, Translink stated that design work would begin for the additional use of Irish.

However, the decision has stirred controversy, with criticism from local political figures such as Timothy Gaston of the Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), who accused Kimmins of prioritizing cultural policy over pressing infrastructure issues, and Deborah Erskine of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), suggesting the funds could be better used for road repairs rather than language signage.

Kimmins responded to the backlash by asserting that the Irish language belongs to everyone, underscoring her commitment to promoting equality for all communities.