A request for dual language signage at Parkview Street in Lurgan has been approved by ABC Council.
The decision was taken at October’s planning meeting when it was agreed that council use its “discretionary powers” to endorse the application.
Head of Building Control Tom Lavery informed the committee that the request for new English-Irish street signage had been received in February.
In line with council’s adopted policy, the request comprised two stages.
The first required the request, when submitted to council, to be accompanied by a signed petition, “representing not less than one third of all occupiers of premises in the street for which the application is made” in order for it to progress.
Mr Lavery said the application, having been verified as valid, moved to the second stage in June.
This involved canvassing, by post, “all occupiers of premises on the relevant street” seeking their views.
Officers confirmed a total of 20 residents and one commercial property were surveyed but, with regards the latter, Royal Mail tracking identified that “the addressee had gone away”.
The two thirds threshold then was rounded up to 14, with a total of 15 responses in agreement with the application request for dual language signage.
Five were “deemed as not in agreement”; these included responses received marked not in favour, as well as ‘non-returns’, which were also considered under the policy as not being in support.
Officers reported that they were “not aware of any written views opposing this application”.
Alliance Councillor Peter Lavery noted the findings and remarked that ultimately the policy was in place and he recommended council use its discretionary powers to approve the request. Sinn Fein Councillor Paul Duffy seconded the proposal.
The request will involve the provision of two street signs, at a total cost of £500.
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