Back to belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Saturday, 14 May 2022 | 11.2°C Belfast
Sinn Fein councillor Leanne McEvoy at one of the defaced dual language signs
The Newtownhamilton boundary sign which was attacked before being chopped down
LOYALISTS are using angle grinders in a sustained series of attacks on Irish language signs across south Down.
T he scale of the attacks in the run-up to Christmas and over the holiday period is only starting to emerge.
But angle grinders are one of the weapons which have been used to chop down dual language boundary signs welcoming visitors to the Newry, Mourne and Down council area, using both the English and Irish language.
Before Christmas, one of the 19 boundary signs at Newtownhamilton was chopped down, the third attack in just two months.
An angle grinder has been previously used to topple a sign at Ballyward, and the grinders are now being used on road signs.
Street and road signs have also been daubed with paint, cement and spray paint in the latest spate of attacks in the Mournes, with six road signs defaced and signage at a GAA club destroyed.
Sinn Fein have described the attacks as “hatred” of the Irish language and is to raise the issue with the PSNI.
The council area has experienced the most attacks in Northern Ireland since the boundary signs were first erected in the summer of 2016.
Information obtained by the Sunday Life shows the most frequently attacked sign, according to the council, is on the edge of Ballynahinch with signs at Rathfriland, Ballyward and Killinchy also regularly damaged.
The council’s figures show there have been 46 attacks on the boundary signs up to 2019, the most recent year for the accumulated figures.
Sinn Fein councillor Leanne McEvoy said: “It is indicative of the attitude of some in society who show a complete disregard, lack of respect and hatred for the Irish language. We must ensure all bi-lingual signage is respected and protected; this stretches across to the new Ulster-Scots signage erected in Kilkeel. Respect is integral to our shared peace,’’ she added.
The Belfast Telegraph is a member of IPSO and subscribes to its Editors' Code of Practice Ipso
A Mediahuis Website © BelfastTelegraph.co.uk