Downpatrick Councillor Naomi Bailie has welcomed the decision by Down District Council to have a bilingual sign erected at Glebetown Drive in Downpatrick.
The new signage will be erected in the coming weeks. Councillor Bailie said: “Down has a strong affiliation with an Ghaeilge, the Irish language, and it is important that we respect and embrace that long-standing tradition.
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Sinn Féin Downpatrick councillor Naomi Bailie said she supported the growth of the Irish language across Down.[/caption]
“Statistics regularly show that the Irish language enjoys widespread support and that its use is on the increase.
“More families in the Down area are recognising the benefits of bi-lingualism and choosing to send their children to Irish schools or to schools with Irish as a curriculum offer.
“The Irish language is growing as a medium for employment opportunities, with hundreds of young graduates leaving our local universities every year successfully using their command of the language to gain employment.
“Much has been made of the future tourism potential of this area as we move towards our merge with Newry and Mourne Council.
“Downpatrick is a prime location for cultural tourism opportunities to be further explored. I hope that more areas can avail of this change and allow the language to flourish in what is a fitting home here in Down.”
Councillor Bailie added: “The continued support for Irish language signage across the district shows a cultural maturity as communities continue to embrace difference while showing simultaneously a confidence in our shared cultural heritage.
“It is Down District Council’s policy to have dual language street signage erected were residents show support for such a move that celebrates cultural diversity.”
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