Queens University Belfast students vote for the reinstatement of Irish Language signage

“An overwhelming majority of Queens University Belfast (QUB) students voted for the reinstatement of Irish Language signage around the university. Out of the 5000 students who voted in the recent referendum, 91 per cent were in favour of the change. The vote was held by the Queens University Belfast Students’ Union (QUBSU) in March, with all QUB students being eligible to vote. The vote asked students whether the university’s name and official logo should be in English and Irish, and whether they back QUB adopting “an Irish language policy that gives the Irish language equal status to the English language as an official language of the university”. It also asked whether they support a “bilingual corporate identity” and logo for the university and students’ union, and bilingual signs throughout the campus. The motion also stated that “a monolingual, English-only campus does not allow for the promotion of good relations and neglects the promotion of the Irish language as a living language used daily by members of the university community”. Bilingual signage was present at QUBSU until 1997, when Irish signs were removed after opposition from some unionist students and a recommendation by the Fair Employment Commission for a more neutral working environment. The university’s Irish language society, An Cumann Gaelach, had campaigned for bilingual signage at QUB for some time. However, enough unionist students raised concerns about bilingual signage to prevent a vote, until now. After the referendum, Eoghan Ó Conghaile from An Cumann Gaelach, called for the “immediate” reinstatement of dual language signage. However, the vote itself doesn’t compel the university to act. He also added: “This result reinforces what we, as a Cumann, already knew; that there is significant interest, demand and support for the Irish language right across Queen’s campus and beyond.” On the other hand, Jay Basra, chairman of QUB Young Unionists, stated that the group has clearly outlined their concerns about the bilingual signage, and “firmly” stands by them. He also added: “This policy, in practice, changes little from what already exists within the policy file and cannot be binding on the university.” Other members of the society have mentioned that the reinstatement of Irish signs would create “a chill factor” and harm community relationships. Similar concerns are raised around the country, pertaining to bilingual street name signs. A QUB spokesperson expressed admiration for the strong turnout in the referendum (about 20 per cent of the student body) and said: “We look forward to working with both commissioners on their proposals to the Northern Ireland Executive, which will help guide the university as it progresses work relating to language, culture and identity and inform our next steps.” Irish has been formally recognised as an official language in Northern Ireland since 2022. However, unlike in the Republic of Ireland, there is no legal obligation for public signage to be displayed in Irish. Only 0.3 per cent of the population are active speakers of the language, while 12 per cent have knowledge of it.

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