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Protest organised against 'forcing' of Irish language signage at Belfast leisure centre

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, October 13th 2025 at 11:54 GMT by The Irish News
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The Belfast Leisure Centre has become a focal point for a growing debate over the use of Irish-language signage in public facilities across Northern Ireland. On the morning of 15 July, a crowd of 200 residents gathered outside the centre’s entrance to protest what they described as an imposition of bilingual signage that they felt was not reflective of the local community’s identity. The demonstrators, many of whom wear signs reading “No to compulsory Irish signage” and “We are Irish, we speak English,” called for a reassessment of the council’s policy on bilingualism in public spaces.

A Policy Backed by History

The policy in question is part of the Belfast City Council’s 2023 “Language and Cultural Development Strategy,” which aims to promote the Irish language by encouraging bilingual signage in public buildings, schools, and leisure facilities. According to the strategy, the inclusion of Irish-language signage is intended to reflect the city’s cultural heritage and to support language revitalisation efforts. “This is about celebrating our heritage,” said Councillor Fiona McKenna, a member of the council’s Cultural Affairs Committee. “The signposts are an invitation for all to engage with the Irish language.”

The policy, however, was implemented with limited consultation. In a document accessed through the council’s website, the strategy notes that the signing plans were drafted in partnership with the Ulster Historical Foundation and the National Council for the Promotion of the Irish Language (NCPIL). Yet, the strategy’s brief did not require explicit community approval, a point that the protesters used to argue that the policy oversteps the community’s wishes.

Voices from the Protest

At the protest, local activist and former Gaelic League officer Seán O’Neill described the decision as “a top‑down mandate.” O’Neill pointed to the fact that the majority of the local population, according to a recent census, identifies as English‑speaking. “We’re not against the Irish language; we’re against the compulsory imposition of it,” he said. “It’s a matter of respecting local sentiment.”

In a statement posted on the “Irish Language Now” Facebook page, a group that organised the protest, the organizers called for an “open dialogue” between the council and residents. The statement also highlighted that the protest was peaceful, and no arrests were made. The organisers added that they would file a formal complaint to the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee on the Arts, Heritage and Libraries, arguing that the policy violates the Local Government Act 1972, which requires public consultation for changes affecting community infrastructure.

Council’s Response

The council’s spokesperson, Liam O’Connor, defended the signage policy as a “public good.” In a letter to the Belfast Telegraph, O’Connor wrote, “The introduction of bilingual signage is not meant to alienate but to enhance the city’s cultural diversity.” He cited a 2022 study that found that bilingual signage improves tourist satisfaction and encourages cultural tourism. O’Connor also pointed out that the policy had received support from the Department of Education, which views bilingual signage as an effective tool for language learning among children.

An internal memorandum from the council, accessed through the Freedom of Information request, outlined that the policy had been rolled out gradually, with the Belfast Leisure Centre being the second facility to receive bilingual signage. The memorandum listed dates and installation schedules and mentioned that the signage would be installed in the next six months. The memo did not contain any mention of community backlash or alternative plans.

Wider Context and Similar Movements

The protest at the Belfast Leisure Centre is part of a wider wave of opposition that has emerged across Northern Ireland. On 22 June, a similar demonstration took place outside the Ulster Museum in Belfast, where activists protested the installation of Irish-language placards. Meanwhile, in Derry, a council meeting was held to discuss the possible removal of bilingual signage from the city’s train station. A link to the Derry City Council’s meeting minutes is provided on the council’s website, which reveals that the proposal was withdrawn after a public consultation process that indicated a 60% opposition rate.

The issue also resonated with the broader debate over the Irish language’s place in public life in the post-Brexit context. Articles on the “Irish Times” and the “BBC News” have examined how language policy in Northern Ireland differs from that in the Republic of Ireland, where bilingual signage is mandated by law. The contrasting approaches have sparked discussions among linguists, policymakers, and activists.

What’s Next?

The council has announced that it will convene a town‑hall meeting on 29 July to discuss the concerns raised by the protestors. According to a press release accessed through the council’s website, the meeting will include representatives from the Gaelic League, the National Council for the Promotion of the Irish Language, and community leaders. The agenda will cover the feasibility of removing or modifying the signage and the potential impact on tourism and education.

The protestors remain hopeful that the meeting will result in a compromise that respects both cultural heritage and local preferences. “We want to celebrate the Irish language, but not at the cost of our community’s sense of belonging,” said O’Neill at the protest. “A dialogue, not a mandate, is what we’re looking for.”

As the debate unfolds, the Belfast Leisure Centre stands as a symbol of the tensions that arise when cultural policy intersects with everyday public life. Whether the bilingual signage will remain or be revised will depend on the outcome of the upcoming town‑hall discussions and the broader public response to the council’s policy. The community’s voice, articulated through peaceful protest and official complaint, underscores the importance of inclusive governance in a multicultural society.