The brand new Grand Central Station in Belfast is introducing bilingual signage around the building and on ticket machines.
In a move that has been welcomed by Irish language rights group An Dream Dearg, officials have announced that Irish language signage will be installed at Belfast’s Grand Central Station.
The new state-of-the-art train and bus station opened in the city last year. It hopes to make transport to and from Belfast a more modern and pleasant experience.
Grand Central Station began a phased opening last September, following a £340m construction project that began in March 2022.
Making the Irish language more accessible – a landmark move
Sinn Féin’s Liz Kimmins is currently Northern Ireland’s Minister for Infrastructure.
Speaking at the Northern Ireland Assembly on Monday, she announced the plans for the installation of Irish language signage at Belfast’s Grand Central Station.
“I am committed to the visibility and promotion of the Irish language across public services and in our society,” she said.
“Grand Central Station is not just for the people of Belfast. It is a transport hub for people right across the island and it’s important, therefore, that it is reflective of all citizens.”
Irish language signage across Belfast’s Grand Central Station – representing people across Ireland
Young people across Ireland are becoming more excited and proud of Ireland’s national language. Thanks, no doubt, to the influence of Belfast rap trio Kneecap.
So, the decision to introduce Irish language signage in Belfast’s Central Station will undoubtedly make the language more visible in everyday life.
Wayfinding signage, passenger information, and safety signage will all be bilingual.
Welcome signs, customer service, platform IDs, and interactive ticket machines also, feature both English and Irish translations.
Kimmins said, “The Irish language is for everyone and it is reflective of the culture right across this island. The transport hub is not just for the people of Belfast, it’s for all people right across our island.”
She continued, “Belfast is one of the most thriving areas in the North, if not in Ireland, for the Irish language.”
A change coming later this year – for people from all across Ireland
Kimmins explained that the signage will be installed later this year. Representatives from the Irish language rights group An Dream Dearg took to social media to welcome the news.
In a post on the platform, they said, “Bua iontach do phobal na Gaeilge a sheas an fód. Céim mhaith eile chun cinn san aistear i dtreo chearta teanga.
“Another very significant victory in our ongoing campaign for rights and equality, bringing the Irish language into the very centre of our shared spaces. #BéalFeirste.”
