Consultation on Irish language bi-lingual displays on Derry bus services to be held

Translink is launching a public consultation on the proposed display of English/Irish bi-lingual destination screens for place names on buses operating on Derry City Services.

Subject to consultation, it is planned to pilot the bi-lingual destination screens on the Slievemore Route, with potential to expand to other routes in the city.

Translink’s Service Delivery Manager at Foyle Street Alan Young said: “I would urge as many people as possible to express their views during this six week consultation period which runs until 30th April 2017. We want to hear as many views as possible and this important feedback will inform our decisions”.

Alan Young also said: “This initiative is a way to celebrate traditional place names in the city and their meaning, while also helping to support local tourism through a unique visitor experience. It is proposed to pilot the initiative on Slievemore Route FY12, as it is the busiest Ulsterbus Foyle City Service. If successful, there is potential to roll out to other routes across the City”.

This initiative supports Derry City and Strabane District Council’s commitments to celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity and promote equality of opportunity for all. 14% of the population in the Derry area have a knowledge of the Irish language. In addition, the initiative supports key objectives and principles set out in the European Charter for Minority or Regional Languages.

The consultation is available online at www.translink.co.uk/bilingualbusscreens/ or leaflets are available in Foyle Street Bus Station.