02/10/2025
BCC Approves Historic £1.9m Irish Language Policy
Belfast City Council' has approved a new Irish language policy for the council, marking what is being called a "historic milestone" for the language in the city.
The decision follows a public consultation that ran from August to November 2024. The policy sets out how the council plans to promote and use Irish across its services, including translation, signage at facilities, the council website, and within its corporate identity.
The council has committed £1.9 million of funding, previously agreed in July, to implement the policy over the next two years.
Implementation Details
Following a review of the consultation feedback, the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agreed to adopt the policy, including the creation of a single bilingual logo for the organisation, a move aligned with international best practice. Design work for the new corporate identity is currently underway.
Councillor Natasha Brennan, Chair of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said: "Our council is delivering an ambitious and groundbreaking policy which aims to promote, protect and celebrate the Irish language across the city. This policy represents a major step forward in fostering linguistic diversity, supporting cultural heritage and ensuring everyone who wishes to access our services in Irish is able to do so."
Pól Deeds from Foras Na Gaeilge and incoming Irish Language Commissioner welcomed the adoption, commending the council for recognising the "growth and spread of the Irish language community in the city." He added that the policy "can be a tool to bring our community together."
The Irish language policy is the first to be delivered through the council’s wider Language Strategy, which also includes strands for Ulster-Scots, sign language, communicating with those with disabilities, and minority ethnic communities.
The decision follows a public consultation that ran from August to November 2024. The policy sets out how the council plans to promote and use Irish across its services, including translation, signage at facilities, the council website, and within its corporate identity.
The council has committed £1.9 million of funding, previously agreed in July, to implement the policy over the next two years.
Implementation Details
Following a review of the consultation feedback, the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agreed to adopt the policy, including the creation of a single bilingual logo for the organisation, a move aligned with international best practice. Design work for the new corporate identity is currently underway.
Pól Deeds from Foras Na Gaeilge and incoming Irish Language Commissioner welcomed the adoption, commending the council for recognising the "growth and spread of the Irish language community in the city." He added that the policy "can be a tool to bring our community together."
The Irish language policy is the first to be delivered through the council’s wider Language Strategy, which also includes strands for Ulster-Scots, sign language, communicating with those with disabilities, and minority ethnic communities.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 August 2024
BCC Consultation On Draft Irish Language Policy
Belfast City Council has announced a new public consultation on their new draft Irish language policy. The draft policy sets out how the council plans to promote Irish and use Irish across its services, including interpreting and translation, key documents and publications, signage at facilities, on the council website belfastcity.gov.
BCC Consultation On Draft Irish Language Policy
Belfast City Council has announced a new public consultation on their new draft Irish language policy. The draft policy sets out how the council plans to promote Irish and use Irish across its services, including interpreting and translation, key documents and publications, signage at facilities, on the council website belfastcity.gov.
17 February 2025
SDLP Criticises Minister's Handling Of Irish Language Education
The SDLP has questioned Education Minister Paul Givan on his handling of the Irish language. It comes after Minister Givan awarded himself an 'A' grade when asked how he would mark his performance around Irish language education since taking up the role.
SDLP Criticises Minister's Handling Of Irish Language Education
The SDLP has questioned Education Minister Paul Givan on his handling of the Irish language. It comes after Minister Givan awarded himself an 'A' grade when asked how he would mark his performance around Irish language education since taking up the role.
16 June 2017
Equality Commission To Investigate Irish Language Bursary Scheme Decision
The Equality Commission has confirmed it is to carry out an investigation following a decision by the Department of Communities to withdraw funding from an Irish language bursary scheme.
Equality Commission To Investigate Irish Language Bursary Scheme Decision
The Equality Commission has confirmed it is to carry out an investigation following a decision by the Department of Communities to withdraw funding from an Irish language bursary scheme.
07 March 2022
New Strategy's For Irish And Ulster-Scots Languages
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced the publication of the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Panels for an Irish Language Strategy and an Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage & Culture Strategy.
New Strategy's For Irish And Ulster-Scots Languages
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced the publication of the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Panels for an Irish Language Strategy and an Ulster-Scots Language, Heritage & Culture Strategy.
28 April 2017
DUP Accused Of 'Genuflecting To Irish Language Brigade'
Jim Allister has accused the DUP of "genuflecting to the Irish language brigade". The TUV leader made the comments in response to DUP leader Arlene Foster meeting with Irish language groups, which he said should "serve as a warning to all those who oppose the De-Britishisation of Northern Ireland".
DUP Accused Of 'Genuflecting To Irish Language Brigade'
Jim Allister has accused the DUP of "genuflecting to the Irish language brigade". The TUV leader made the comments in response to DUP leader Arlene Foster meeting with Irish language groups, which he said should "serve as a warning to all those who oppose the De-Britishisation of Northern Ireland".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.