The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML) is the most significant treaty that we have at local government level with regard to regional and minority languages. The absence of domestic legislation for Irish in the north means that the commitments and undertakings in the ECRML may only be of interpretative value; this has consistently been used as a tool to stall progressive measures relating to Irish language service provision in local councils.
What is more, the duty to promote ‘good relations’ has often been deliberately misinterpreted to justify local councils' inaction regarding the Irish language; instead, local councils should embark upon programmes which seek to increase awareness and understanding of the Irish language, thus contributing to the fulfilment of their duty to promote good relations.
Some councils have taken steps to support the language and provide basic services to Irish speakers, but there is a great level of disparity between what is available in some council areas compared to others. For example, whilst the vast majority of local councils have adopted dual language street signage policies, very few of these policies are in keeping with best practice. The below table outlines the current Irish language provision across the 11 council areas.
