The policy includes commitments to bilingual English-Irish signage in council facilities and the introduction of a new corporate logo for use on vehicles and staff uniforms.

A Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) motion to prevent any changes to staff uniforms was defeated by 42 votes to 17 during this past Wednesday evening’s council meeting. The DUP argued the policy was “divisive” and lacked proper costings, while also raising concerns about staff safety in areas where bilingual branding could attract hostility.

Despite opposition, the decision was welcomed by Sinn Féin councillor Tomás Ó Néill, who called it “transformative” and “historic.” Natasha Brennan, chair of the council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, described the policy as “ambitious and groundbreaking,” while Irish language commissioner-designate Pól Deeds said it recognised the growing Irish-speaking community and offered an opportunity to unite people across Belfast.

Support has also come from advocacy groups such as Conradh na Gaeilge, whose president, Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin, said the policy made Belfast “a beacon of equality” and reflected the ongoing Irish language revival in the city.

In contrast, DUP councillor Sarah Bunting said the outcome was “no surprise” given the council’s nationalist majority and vowed the party would continue to oppose it, confirming that unionist representatives had signed a legal call-in on the decision.

The 18-page policy was first approved by the committee in September and formally ratified this week. It includes a two-year implementation plan, with design work for the new bilingual identity underway and further consultations promised with trade unions before rollout.