Unionists oppose bilingual signage, saying 15% resident approval threshold is 'unfair'

A further five out of eight roads subject to bilingual signage have met the criteria for construction, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has heard.

Unionist groups remain opposed to the project on the grounds that the approval threshold of 15 percent of residents is unfair.

Community and wellbeing director John Boyle presented the latest figures ahead of the environmental services committee meeting. Roads in Omagh, Enniskillen and Siemilecross meet the criteria, the meeting was told.

Although the majority of members accepted the recommendation to implement signage, the two union groups disagreed.

UUP member John McClaughry said: “Once again I am very disappointed that Tattykeel Cottages and Kerr Villas have been put forward for this without any interest from residents. »

This was accepted by DUP councilor Paul Robinson.

Mr McClaughry added that he had been approached by a constituent who asked: “If the street name is to appear on a resident’s house in the Irish language, can they object?”

He was told the council would seek permission from a resident on whose property the sign was to be installed.

Sinn Fein councilor Tommy Maguire said: “We welcome there being negotiations. The purpose of bilingual signs is not to be distracting.