Irish language signs vandalised within days of being erected

VANDALS have defaced newly-erected bi-lingual signage less than 24 hours after it was erected in the Maine area outside Killyclogher.

Black paint was sprayed over the the Irish version of the Ashmenagh and Tirquin Roads on the signs, one of which was installed just yards from the Maine Orange Hall.

It is understood that the new signs were only erected at the start of this week, but were vandalism overnight on Tuesday into Wednesday.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council said that it had reported the matter to the PSNI for investigation.

“The council erected the dual language signage at Ashmenagh Road, Maine, in accordance with the council’s policy and procedures,” a spokesperson said.

“The council was not aware of the damage caused to the sign, however, officers will investigate and action this.”

Council chairman, and Sinn Fein councillor for Omagh Town, Barry McElduff, said the damageshould be treated as a ‘hate-crime’.

“The PSNI must investigate both the removal of Irish language signs, and vandalism to them,” he said.

“The vandalism and defacement of these dual-language signs is certainly a hate crime, and should be investigated in accordance with this.

“There is a strong demand among people for Irish language provision in the Omagh area.

“Local government needs to reflect this, and many dual-language signs have been erected at the request of local people.

“Incidents of this nature are certainly concerning, and must be condemned.”