Council Sticks to Irish Language Street Sign Policy

0:00It's April 16. You're listening to Europe News today, AI Power Coverage from every European capital. A council committee in Causeway Coast and Glens just voted to stick with their Irish language street sign policy, even though offices warned it might. Break new equality laws. The rules, said back in 2015, need a petition from one-third of residents to start, then two-third support from everyone on the electoral. Register. Tom replies count as no votes and failed bids wait five years to try again. Out of 15 applications, zero made it through. Officers flagged the policy as outdated after recent language equality changes, pushing for a review to dodge legal trouble. They laid out three paths, keep it as is, switch to 50% yes votes from responses only, or drop to 15% to match the European, charter for minority languages. In fine, push the lowest bar, saying the tough rules scare folks off, rather than show no interest. DUP called it democratic and right for the majority, warning low thresholds elsewhere

1:04force unwanted signs in her community ties. UUP back keeping it, while alliance like the middle 50% is fair to local voices. The vote tied at eight to eight, so DUP chair, Sharon McKillip, used her casting vote to hold the line on the current setup. Now the recommendation heads to the full council soon, where they'll decide if this policy stays or shifts to fit the new legal landscape.