The installation of a the first ever bilingual street sign in the ABC borough has been described as an “historic milestone”.
Residents of Woodside Gardens – or Gairdíní Chois Coille – in Portadown celebrated the freshly installed sign on Tuesday.
The An Dream Dearg campaign group commented: “Lá stairiúil (historic day) in ABC Council as the first ever dual language sign in the council’s history goes up 18 months after the initial application was made.”
Residents had originally applied for the sign 18 months ago, but had faced opposition from unionist politicians over concerns it would provoke sectarian tensions on the Garvaghy Road.
Sinn Féin councillor Paul Duffy commented: “This is an historic and hugely positive milestone with the first ever bilingual street signage being installed in the ABC Council area.
“The recognition of the Irish language by ABC Council is long overdue, and comes at a time when Gaeilge continues to flourish and go from strength to strength.
“I want to commend local residents and Irish language activists for making this progressive step forward.”
