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Challenge to council's new Irish language policy dismissed

Catherine MorrisonBBC News NI
Getty Images A white bilingual street sign in Irish and English. It is on a red brick wall that is partially painted blue. Some barbed wire can be seen on the wall above the sign. Getty Images
The new policy aims to promote the use of Irish in public life, including the usage of bilingual signage

A legal challenge to Belfast City Council over its proposed new Irish language policy has been dismissed.

Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) member Ann McClure brought the proceedings after councillors approved a draft Irish language policy in October.

Her legal team argued the council's operation of a call in scheme for voting on controversial issues had not been used correctly.

At the High Court in Belfast on Tuesday a judge dismissed the challenge on a number of grounds.

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wearing a brown and cream checked coat, stood outside the steps and railings of a courthouse
The proceedings were brought forward by TUV member Ann McClure

However he did find "procedural confusion" around the council's decision in December to fly the Palestinian flag above City Hall and the applicant's complaint regarding that decision was partially upheld.

The new policy aims to promote the use of Irish in public life, with bilingual signage and logos to appear on council facilities, signage and uniforms.