Irish language sign row not a crisis
The approval of Irish language signage at Belfast's Grand Central Station was "bad process" but "that's not to suggest that this is a crisis" for the Stormont executive, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party leader has said.
Sinn Féin Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins approved £150,000 for Irish language signs saying it was a "hugely positive development".
But Gavin Robinson said the minister "decided to squander" the money "in the absence of political discussion".
The DUP leader also said there were plans to amend the ticketing system to incorporate an Irish language option.
He said that would "require them to remove the foreign language options that are already inbuilt for tourists coming to Northern Ireland who don't have English as their first language", adding that was "a nonsense".
Robinson told the BBC's Nolan Show: "Where there are issues that are significant, cross-cutting or controversial they should be brought to the executive for discussion for agreement."
"That is how we should be doing business," he added.
The DUP leader confirmed that his party's ministers have written to Kimmins to ask whether she engaged in consultations including with Translink, before taking the decision.
He argued the decision "was made outside the legal parameters in which the executive should operate".
However, he said that "ultimately it will be for the courts" to decide on this.
In a statement, Translink said that design work on additional use of Irish on physical signage and on ticket vending machines at Belfast Grand Central Station will now begin following the announcement" by the department for infrastructure.
"This is an extension of the multi-lingual welcome signage which is already in place at the station," a spokesperson added.
Speaking on Monday, Sinn Féin assembly member Declan Kearney emphasised that "the Irish language is now thriving in communities across the island", despite "a history of persecution and discrimination".
"That is reflected in the official recognition which it now enjoys both in the south and north of Ireland," he said.
"Sinn Féin fully supports the rights of Gaeilgeoirí (Irish speakers) as we continue to build a society underpinned by inclusion, rights and respect for all."
Last September, ahead of the opening of Grand Central Station, Irish language group An Dream Dearg criticised the decision not to use the Irish language on the station's main signage.
An Dream Dearg claimed the lack of Irish signage was against the wishes of the infrastructure minister, John O'Dowd of Sinn Féin, and Belfast City Council.
At the time, the Department for Infrastructure said: "Minister O'Dowd is committed to the visibility and promotion of Irish language across public services and in our society.
"He is continuing to engage with Translink in relation to Irish language signage at Grand Central Station and is confident that the matter can be resolved."
Grand Central Station opens to the public
Irish-language sign row to be discussed at executive meeting
Irish signs at Grand Central Station to cost £150k
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