Bilingual traffic signs are to be introduced in West Belfast as part of a pilot scheme that could see the roll-out of similar signage across the North.

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd confirmed his Department’s commitment to the Irish language following a meeting with Irish language business development agency Forbairt Feirste today, says Belfast Media.

The Minister welcomed progress made in recent years and said the bi-lingual display of passenger information on Glider and Metro services by Translink, including the introduction of bilingual signage and audio announcements on the Glider in West Belfast, was a positive step.

Forbairt Feirste Director Jake Mac Siacais said: “Our meeting with Minister O’Dowd and his officials was yet a further step in ensuring that Irish is widely available in both the public realm and on our transport network.

“The Minister shares our ambition to make sure that the Irish language is available for all and is part of the normal fabric of city and regional life. 

“We will continue our engagement with the Department and wish to acknowledge the Minister and his team’s efforts in this regard.”