Attacking Irish signs is damaging community relations says SF councillor

Mid Ulster Sinn Féin councillor Niall McAleer has condemned those responsible for damaging a dual language sign on the Mullinahoe Road in Ardboe and has called for attacks on the Irish language to stop.
By Stanley Campbell
Published 6th Apr 2021, 16:34 BST
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The Torrent representative said : “I want to start by condemning those responsible for damaging the signage in Ardboe and would appeal to those responsible to stop what they are doing.

“Unfortunately, there is an ongoing campaign throughout the council area to damage or destroy road signs, simply because they contain the Irish language, which is damaging to community relations.

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“In addition to the damage to community relations, the destruction of these signs leads to a financial cost to the rate-payer, as well as a burden on already stretched resources and staff.

Vandalised sign at Mullanahoe Road, Ardboe.Vandalised sign at Mullanahoe Road, Ardboe.
Vandalised sign at Mullanahoe Road, Ardboe.

“Despite this, Mid Ulster District Council will not be deterred from replacing damaged signage and this bigoted campaign will not be allowed to trump the wishes of residents who have voted in favour for the signs to be placed there.”

Councillor McAleer added: “More needs to be done to bring an end to this hate-filled campaign against the Irish language and I would call on anyone who has any influence over those carrying out such attacks to call these hate crimes out for what they are and help put a stop to the attacks once and for all.”

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