New dual-language road traffic signs and road markings have been introduced in west Belfast's Gaeltacht Quarter, with signage on the Falls Road between Springfield Road and Whiterock Road identifying bus lanes and parking as part of a pilot by the Department for Infrastructure.

Welcoming the move, Minister Kimmins said: "Many businesses and organisations throughout West Belfast already use bi-lingual signage within and outside their premises. The implementation of bi-lingual signage on this part of the road network over the next few weeks is a further positive development for the Gaeltacht Quarter and demonstrates my commitment to comply with the European Charter of Minority and Regional Languages. The Irish language reflects a shared identity and culture across this island. I thank Forbairt Feirste and Conradh na Gaeilge for campaigning for bi-lingual signage on roads to promote visibility and understanding of the Irish language. "

Speaking on behalf of Forbairt Feirste, Project Manager Piarais Mac Alastair said: "The introduction of bilingual road traffic signs is an important and positive development for the Gaeltacht Quarter and for the wider Irish-speaking community. Language is a visible expression of identity, and these signs recognise the everyday reality of thousands of people who live, work, study and visit this part of Belfast.

"This pilot demonstrates what can be achieved when government works collaboratively with communities. We commend the Department for Infrastructure and the Minister Kimmins for progressing this initiative and recognising the importance of the Irish language within our shared public spaces.

"We now call on the Minister and the Department to extend this Road Traffic pilot to the wider Gaeltacht Quarter that has recently been recognised by Belfast City Council." Cuisle Nic Liam, Language Rights Coordinator with Conradh na Gaeilge commented: "Conradh na Gaeilge warmly welcomes the introduction of dual language road traffic signage in the heart of West Belfast's Gaeltacht Quarter. This initiative is the first of its kind anywhere in the north and, given the history of community language revival in the area, it is fitting that West Belfast, one of only five uniquely recognised Irish language planning areas across Ireland, has been selected to pilot this historic scheme. This is a critical development in the ongoing realisation of the West Belfast Irish Language Plan, Fís an Phobail.

"This project has been developed through a collaborative co-design process with both local and national stakeholders and we have been delighted to work with the Minister, her Department and Forbairt Feirste over recent years. The design of this new dual-language road traffic signage emerges from evidence-based international templates and unquestionably establishes a new model of best practice both north and south.

"Dual language signage plays an essential role in increasing the visibility and normalisation of the Irish language within our shared public space. We look forward to continuing to work with the Minister and all relevant partners to see this successful pilot replicated in other communities in the very near future."

Irish Language Commissioner Pól Deeds said: "I am delighted to see this important scheme being rolled out in the Gaeltacht Quarter. This initiative recognises and supports the vibrant Irish-speaking community in west Belfast, and I hope it will be extended in the future in line with the Best Practice Standards currently being developed by my Office.

"The duty placed on our public authorities through legislation, alongside existing government commitments to support the growth of the Irish language, has a vital role to play in language planning and protection.

"The Department for Infrastructure's commitment to this initiative strengthens my determination to support public authorities in their efforts to make Northern Ireland a place where the Irish language can thrive as an important part of our unique cultural heritage and wealth."

Installation is scheduled to continue over the coming weeks along the specified stretch of the Falls Road.