Bilingual street signs go up in west Belfast
Published: 10 August, 2009
Members of Sinn Féin's Irish Language Cumann, named after IRA Volunteer and Milltown Martyr, Caoimhín Mac Bradaigh have been implementing their plan of work for 2009.
The Cumann embarked on an ambitious task to work with local Sinn Féin structures and residents in an effort to see the erection of bilingual street signs along prominent roads and streets in West Belfast.
Caoimhín Mac Giolla Mhín, the Cumann Chairperson and local Irish Language enthusiast, believes this project is good for West Belfast.
Mr Mac Giolla Mhin said:
''Following the SDLP's decision last year to vote with the Unionist block in Belfast City Council to end the pilot programme surrounding bilingual street names, we decided that the newly established Caoimhín Mac Bradaigh cumann should focus on this piece work.
''To date, we have thoroughly enjoyed working with residents and local councillors in facilitating this process. Whilst this is a bureaucratic and time consuming process, it is very rewarding and worthwhile and already we are beginning to see the visual impact.''
''Sinn Féin have worked consistently to ensure that West Belfast has secured Gaeltacht Status and it's councillors and MLA's, after much lobbying, have successfully put the concept on the map of Belfast. This project will fully complement the much talked about Gaeltacht Quarter plan and will enhance the ongoing Belfast City Council Arterial Routes Programme.
''Sinn Féin political representatives have to be commended for these clearly visible improvements along Belfast's Falls Road. The inclusion of Irish language street names will add to the cultural richness of the area," added Caoimhín.
Having completed a few streets in the Lenadoon area, the Cumann efforts moved to the cultural hub surrounding An Chultúrlann, especially those that are adjacent to the main Falls Road. These include Fallswater Drive, Islandbawn Street, Brighton Street, Nansen Street, Shiels Street, Beechmount Avenue, Fallswater Street, Braemar Street, Thames Street, La Salle Gardens, Beechmount Drive, Iveagh Drive, Iveagh Parade and Broadway.
In engaging with residents in securing petitions, those involved could not help but notice a strong sense of pride and support for Sinn Fein efforts to have their street named in Irish. On many occasions, this has not only facilitated the opportunity to take on constituency issues, but also to engage in Irish conversations with families whose children are indeed attending local Irish Medium schools.
''Our efforts have also been commended by local Coiste ex-prisoner tour guides who facilitate groups of tourists along the Falls Road every day. The signage has become a talking point and has given them the opportunity to highlight the growth in popularity of our native language to our International visitors," Caoimhín concluded.
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