Sinn Féin Councillor Sarah Duffy has criticised the DUP on Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council after it emerged that almost £92,000 of ratepayers’ money was spent attempting to block Irish language signage across the ABC council area.
Cllr Duffy said, “It is disgraceful that almost £92,000 of public money was wasted opposing equality and language rights.
“At a time when families are struggling with the cost of living and local services are under pressure, residents will rightly question how this expenditure could ever have been justified.
“People across the ABC council area support the promotion and protection of the Irish language, and communities have every right to see their identity, culture and heritage respected in public spaces.
“The Irish language is thriving across this county, with more and more people learning and embracing it every day. Attempts to deny communities their cultural rights are completely out of touch with modern society and the direction our community is moving in.”
The Armagh City councillor added, “The DUP needs to stop looking backwards and start working to build a genuinely inclusive society.
“So far, they have failed to do that, and many young people are increasingly frustrated at seeing their identity challenged at every turn. People can see this campaign for what it is.
“We will continue to work with all parties genuinely committed to respect, equality and language rights for everyone.”
The Sinn Féin representative also confirmed that an application for dual-language signage on the Rock Road in Armagh has now been submitted and is progressing through the required council process.
Cllr Duffy said, “The application for dual-language signage on the Rock Road is continuing through the council process, and I know there is strong local support for it.
“Communities across Armagh are proud of our language and heritage, and they deserve to see that reflected and respected in public spaces.”
